Question
Hello,

 I just received my first houseplant and it is a hanging ivy (Hedera helix).  It looks very healthy and is hanging about 18" away from a window in the back room of my house where it receives a moderate to low amount of light through the window.  
  I was just wondering how frequently I should water it and if it is important to water it from the top?  The pot I planted it in, has a wick system which allows you to water from a tray at the bottom of the pot.  I was just wondering if it matters whether I water it from the top or bottom?  I currently have zero houseplant experience so any advice is sincerely appreciated.

Thanks,

Shannon

Answer
Hi Shannon,

The light you describe is about right for a Hedera helix, although it could do with a bit more, but not less.

Hedera ivies are quite fussy about watering, especially when they are new. They do not like to be repotted. I know what wick systems are, but there are different types. If yours required you to repot, then you are going to have trouble because Hederas do not like their roots to be disturbed.

If you did repot to install the wick system, then I suggest that you remove the soil that you added and put the plant back into its original pot. Otherwise, I suggest that you not rely on the wick system, but water from the top instead.

Wick systems seem every easy to use, but depending on the soil consistency and just how the wick is placed in the rootball, the wicks can easily lead to keeping the soil too dry or too moist.

I recommend that you wait until the top half-inch of soil feels dry and then water thoroughly from the top until a small amount trickles through the bottom drainage holes. There is no margin for error with Hederas so you will have to be vigilant until you have a better idea how long it takes for the soil to dry out in between waterings.

Good light and proper watering are the keys to success. Fertilizer is irrelevant and repotting is alsmost always a mistake.

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