Ivy

Family Araliaceae. Native to southern Crimea, southern Europe, the Caucasus, North Africa.

Ivy is one of the most common plants among houseplant enthusiasts. It is so rich in various forms and varieties that it can satisfy the taste of even a very picky grower. Because ivy is easily propagated and quite widespread, one could, if desired, assemble a whole collection of ivies of 30 or more different species of this remarkable plant, which, by the way, is sometimes called "vyun" in folk speech, probably because of its twining and clinging branches. Specimens can grow that, with their shoots, cover not only a wall but also the ceiling of a room. Ivy seeks support and attaches to it with aerial roots. Therefore it needs a support: either a vertical stake or tube with moss or stretched cords. Ivy flowers are small in umbels and appear on old specimens on branches with entire leaves.

For cultivation, small- and variegated-leaved forms are primarily suitable; they differ in color, shape, and leaf size. The most common species is common ivy Hedera helix, and this species has many varieties:

- varieties with almost oval and rounded leaves (Hedera helix Harald, Hedera helix scutifolia),

- varieties with star-shaped leaves (Hedera helix sagittaefolia),

- varieties with crinkled margins (Hedera helix cristata, Hedera helix Ivalace),

- varieties with smooth margins, with pure green coloration (Hedera helix Annette, Hedera helix Green Ripple),

- varieties with almost yellow leaves (Hedera helix Eva, Hedera helix Mona Lisa),

- varieties with spotted leaves (Hedera helix Jubilee, Hedera helix Glacier, Hedera helix Glorie de Marengo).



Temperature: Moderate or cool, at night no higher than 16°C, winter minimum 12°C. In warm and especially dry rooms it is often affected by scale insects. However, with regular spraying it will overwinter well even at normal room temperatures.

Light: Ivies do not tolerate direct sunlight well, but (especially variegated forms) prefer a well-lit location and do not like changes in position relative to the light source. Green varieties can be considered shade-tolerant, but it is still desirable to provide a bright location. In winter a brighter position is needed.

Watering: Abundant in summer, the soil should be kept moist at all times. In winter watering is moderate; the soil should not dry out, but should not be too wet either.

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