Back to Plants

English Ivy Care Guide

Hedera helix

Araliaceae / Hedera

Also known as: Common Ivy, European Ivy

Light

Medium Light

Humidity

Medium (40-60%)

Temperature

10C - 25C

Difficulty

Beginner Friendly

Pet Safety

Toxic to Pets

English Ivy is a vigorous trailing or climbing plant with classic lobed leaves. It is versatile as a hanging plant, ground cover, or trained on a topiary form. It prefers cooler temperatures and moderate humidity.

English Ivy care at a glance

Give English Ivy medium light and keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Allow top of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Use standard well-draining potting mix. Keep temperatures between 10C and 25C.

Pet owner? Read the detailed English Ivy safety guide for cats and dogs.

Light Requirements

Medium Light. Place near a window that provides appropriate light levels for best growth.

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Allow top of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Humidity

Prefers medium humidity (Medium (40-60%)). Adjust based on your room conditions and season.

Temperature

Optimal range: 10C to 25C. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Soil

Standard well-draining potting mix.

Fertilizer

Every 2 weeks during spring and summer.

Common Problems

Spider mitesBrown leaf tipsLeggy growthLeaf drop

Frequently asked questions

How often should I water English Ivy?

Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Allow top of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

What light does English Ivy need?

English Ivy prefers medium light.

Is English Ivy safe for pets?

English Ivy is considered toxic to pets. Keep away from cats and dogs.

Save to your collection

Get personalized watering reminders and care tips in the GrowBook app.

Get the App

Sources and review

Content last reviewed: September 4, 2026

Content compiled from publicly available horticultural references for educational purposes. Source organizations are listed for transparency only and do not imply endorsement.

We use optional cookies for advertising and analytics. Choose whether to allow them.