Question
I have been slowly learning about different houseplants over the last few years and have done well with violets, a ficus and several other easy care plants.  One plant that I continually fail with is an ivy.  I've just been given another as a gift and I REALLY want to make it thrive.  I'm most concered about giving the right light.  I'm considering taking it to work where it would be under flourescent light.  Is this a good option?  What are your other top suggestions for making this plant do well?  It has all dark green foliage.  thanks!

Amy

Answer
Hi Amy,

I am going to assume that by ivy, you mean English or Hedera ivy and not Philodendron or Pothos. The latter two are often mistakenly called ivy, so I want to be sure. The information I am providing here is for a Hedera ivy.

Hederas don't thrive under just fluorescent lights. They will survive, but the margin for error with watering is very small. Hederas do best on a north or east windowsill where they get lots of bright indirect natural light.

The most common problems with Hedera are root related. The roots are fragile and don't like change. Repotting is best avoided whenever possible. A pot that is too large almost guarantees root rot.

Also related to root problems, is watering. For a Hedera in a small pot - 6-inches or less - it is best to water it thoroughly as soon as the surface soil feels dry. For larger pots, allow the top half-inch to dry in between waterings.  If you water too soon or too late, the fragile roots will die and the plant will quickly decline. So pot size and improper watering are where most folks go wrong with their Hedera ivies.

Spider mites are also frequently a problem with Hederas. Look for tiny webs on the leaves. Inspect the plant weekly for these critters. If you find any, spray the plant with soapy water until it is dripping wet.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]