Question
I recently bought 8 ivy plants in pots..and used them in a display for one weekend.  They are beautiful and healthy.  I would like to keep they over the winter..to be used again in April. I've been doing this (mostly inside)for several years..they survive but don't look good enough for a display in the spring...always fighting the spider mite...low humidity..etc.  Could you give me some tips (other that throwing them out)...greenhouse maybe...I don't have one but would consider buying a small one....or maybe putting them in my garage or shed with low light.  I have had some to "winter over" outside....but still don't look good enough for display in the spring.....any tips would be appreciated! I live in the mid-atlantic tidewater reagion of Virginia.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Mary,

I am assuming your ivies are Hedera or English ivies. If they are not, disregard what I am writing here and let me know what you have.

Hederas are not easy to keep looking fresh as indoor plants. They need lots of natural sunlight, but they also require cool temperatures. High humidity is not necessary, if you can keep temps below 65 degrees. Low light leads to long, stringy vines with smaller leaves. Warm temperatures promote reproduction of spider mites

Hederas also do not like large pots or having their roots disturbed. If you have already repotted, then they are going to struggle no matter what. Otherwise keep them in their existing nursery pots and resist any advice to repot.

If you have a cool, northern windowsill that would be the best location for them. An east windowsill would also be okay, but is less likely to be cool. A garage or shed might be okay if temps do not drop below 40 degrees and if there is a sunny window for the Hederas.

Watering Hederas is tricky in that they are not very forgiving of occasional watering lapses. In a very small pot, water when the surface of the soil feels dry. In larger pots, allow the top half-inch of soil to dry between waterings. Monitor the soil moisture regularly and carefully.

Now you know why I wrote that Hederas are not easy indoor plants!

I have written articles on Hedera Ivies and on repotting that I will email for free to anyone who emails me a request at my address below.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC