Question
I have struggled in the past to grow ivy houseplants.  I am going to try it again now.  How much water and how often should they be watered?  If the leave start to turn black on the edges is that a sign of too much water?  Some leaves are soft and fall off the vine when touched, what does that mean? The plant is facing a north sliding glass door on top of a desk.  I think it is getting sufficient light.

Answer
Good morning Denise,

In the olden days, before you and I were born!, ivies were considered easy plants to grow but, since the advent of central heating that has changed.  Ivies do not like hot, dry air in our homes.  It sounds as if your plant may be suffering from this - try misting the plant frequently and also sponging the leaves to rid it of dust.  Look on the undersides of the leaves to see if there are any insects - red spider mites find ivies very tasty!

I would cut back all stems where you have weak leaves to encourage new, hopefully healthy, growth.  Do not let the soil dry out - I have a number of ivies mainly Little Eva which are in small pots on a balcony which receives afternoon sun - I water them every other day.  I know they are not supposed to be in direct sun but there is nowhere else to put them and they are surving fine, touch wood!  I will definitely have to move them within the next month or so as the sun will then be very fierce and will burn the leaves but right now it is just pleasantly warm.

And don't forget to feed them during the growing season, once a week is sufficient.  This will encourage strong healthy growth.

Let me know how you get on.  Diana