Domestic ivy is one of the few ornamental plants whose homeland is the European continent. At home, ivy has been grown for many centuries, perfectly complementing the interior of any room with the unfading beauty of its green, occasionally cream or white leaves.
Unlike many other decorative house plants growing in pots on the windowsills of apartments and private houses, ivy is mainly used as a living wall decor. This evergreen, climbing plant looks great in hanging pots indoors. By the way, ivy decoration of the exterior walls of houses, which betrays some kind of romance of the distant medieval architecture, is no less beautiful.
Ivy Care. Light, temperature and watering
Ivy is a photophilous plant, however, it must be placed in those places of the room that are protected from direct sunlight. Variegated varieties of ivy require more intense lighting than plants with green leaves.
Ivy is very resistant to changes in ambient temperature and it is not afraid of even slight frosts - up to -5-7 degrees. Comfortable summer temperature for this plant is 16-18 degrees. You can water the flowerpot with ivy twice a week, in winter you need to reduce watering to once.
Humidity, top dressing, soil
The stems and leaves of ivy are very fond of moisture, so the plant must often be sprayed with clean water at room temperature. Especially the plant needs moisture in the winter, when the room is intensely heated. Winter spraying of the plant is recommended daily. For additional saturation with moisture, an ivy pot can be put in a tray with wet pebbles or expanded clay.
To feed domestic ivy, it is better to use only special mineral fertilizers for ornamental plants. Feeding is especially important during the period of active growth - in the spring and early summer. The correct dosage is usually indicated on the original packaging with fertilizer.
Ivy can grow in any soil, but the most comfortable for them are soils with a high content of peat and clay. If possible, it is better to use ready-made soil mixtures, which can be purchased at any flower shop.
