How to Care for Hedera Ivy

Water ivy plants deeply, especially in spring and summer. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Water potted ivies until the water drains out of the pot. Outdoor ivies need to be irrigated until the top 6 inches of soil are moist.

Fertilize indoor ivies every month with an all-purpose soluble fertilizer added to the irrigation water. Follow the amount recommended by the manufacturer or use 1 tsp.per quart. Do not fertilize in winter or the middle of summer when the ivy is not actively growing.

Prune back the ivy at any time if it is growing indoors. Pinch the ends of the vines to promote bushiness. Cut the vines back to the previous growth node. Prune outdoor ivy in fall or spring.

Re-pot indoor plants every three to five years. Make a potting mixture with 1 part topsoil, 1 part peat moss and 1 part perlite. Ensure your pot has several drainage holes. Clay or plastic pot are suitable, but clay pots need to be watered more frequently.

Fill a bucket with water once a month and add a couple drops of liquid dish soap. Dunk the ivy in this solution to kill any insect pests and freshen the foliage. Outdoor plants benefit from frequent hosing to rinse their leaves.