English Ivy Indoor Benefits: Top Reasons To Grow This Plant

If you want to learn about English Ivy indoor benefits then this is the article for you.

There are lots of benefits to growing English Ivy indoors, including how easy it is to care for and how quickly it can fill up a space. It’s important to be aware of the negatives, however, such as its toxicity to humans and animals and how it is listed as invasive in certain areas.

Keep reading to learn all about the major benefits of English Ivy when grown indoors and things to watch out for.

English Ivy Basics

English Ivy, also known as Hedera helix, is a popular and versatile plant that can be grown indoors and outdoors with many benefits.

Before we jump into the benefits of growing it indoors specifically, let’s explore some of the basic characteristics that make this plant so special.

Climbing Features

One of the most distinctive features of English Ivy is its climbing ability.

Its vines can gracefully trail or climb, allowing us to grow it on walls, trellises, or in hanging baskets.; similarly to other indoor plants like the Pothos.

English Ivy growing around a green door
English Ivy is commonly seen outdoors growing on walls and other surfaces

We can take advantage of this feature by providing it with ample room to grow and gently untangling the vines when necessary.

With proper care, our ivy will flourish and fill our living space with natural beauty.

Shades of Green and Gold

English Ivy offers a variety of shades of green and gold, making it an attractive addition to any indoor garden.

The leaves come in different shapes and patterns, ranging from solid green to variegated gold and green hues.

This wide range of color options allows us to choose the perfect ivy variety that complements our décor and personal style.

European Origin

Common Ivy, as it is sometimes called, originates from Europe. It has been widely cultivated for its decorative and medicinal properties for centuries.

Today, English Ivy is appreciated not only for its aesthetics but also for its ability to potentially purify the air and alleviate respiratory issues, thanks to its rich supply of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as polyphenols.

By including this versatile plant in our indoor garden, we not only enjoy its visual appeal but also reap the potential health benefits it provides.

5 Key Indoor Benefits of English Ivy

Now that the basics are out of the way, here are five key English Ivy indoor benefits you need to know if you’re considering keeping this plant inside.

1. Air Purification

One of the most significant benefits of English Ivy is its ability to improve indoor air quality.

According to this NASA study, English Ivy effectively removes various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, xylene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and ammonia.

With English Ivy in your home or office, we can breathe cleaner air while reducing our exposure to harmful airborne pollutants.

2. Allergy and Asthma Relief

If you suffer from allergies or asthma, having English Ivy around may be beneficial.

As mentioned earlier, English Ivy can rid our indoor air of various VOCs through air purification, of which exposure has been linked to allergic reactions.

3. Fast-Growing and Easy to Care For

Another great benefit of English Ivy is that it’s fast-growing and easy to maintain.

Its rapid growth enables us to not only enjoy the aesthetics of the plant, but it’s also very rewarding to see your plant thrive and grow quickly.

4. Low-Maintenance Foliage Plant

English Ivy is a fuss-free and low-maintenance plant perfect for those who do not have much experience in gardening or have a busy schedule.

English Ivy leaves

It thrives even in low light conditions, making it easy for us to find a suitable spot for this plant in our homes or offices.

Additionally, English Ivy requires infrequent watering, ensuring we do not have to spend much time on its upkeep.

It also doesn’t require much of a high temperature either, so if you’re looking for a low-maintenance houseplant this is a great option.

5. Versatile in Design and Use

Finally, English Ivy is versatile in design and use, as it can be grown as a hanging plant, or can be trained to climb walls, trellises, or furniture.

Its evergreen leaves provide a splash of greenery year-round, and we can easily integrate it into different styles and decors, making our indoor environments more visually appealing and healthier for everyone.

Caring for English Ivy Indoors

Here are some key tips for caring for an English Ivy indoor.

Potting and Repotting

When potting English ivy, we recommend using a well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Make sure to choose a container with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

It’s essential to repot your ivy every one to two years, as the plant grows quickly and may become root-bound.

To repot, simply remove your English Ivy from its container (it should come out quite easily) and gently remove excess soil with your hands.

Wear a pair of gloves to do this, and inspect the roots while you can for signs of root rot.

Transfer your ivy into a container one size larger, and then surround the roots with fresh potting soil and water thoroughly.

Watering and Fertilizing

English ivy thrives on the drier side, so it’s crucial to water it sparingly.

Allow the top layer of soil to dry out before watering, and avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.

We suggest fertilizing your ivy every month during the growing season (spring and summer) using a balanced fertilizer.

In low light conditions, watering and feeding should be reduced to prevent problems.

Light and Temperature Requirements

English ivy can adapt well in both bright and low light situations, but to flourish, it is best kept a few feet away from southern-facing windows.

For optimal growth, maintain indoor temperatures between 60°F to 90°F, and provide some humidity by placing your plant on a tray filled with moist pebbles.

You can also use a humidifier if your house is particularly on the dry side.

Pruning and Trimming

Pruning and trimming are essential aspects of regular maintenance for English ivy, as this helps maintain its growth and shape.

We suggest pinching back new growth to encourage bushier foliage.

Trimming back your ivy will not only keep it looking neat but also stimulate the growth of new leaves, giving it a fresh and healthy appearance.

By following these guidelines for caring for English ivy indoors, we can enjoy the beauty and charm of this popular houseplant while reaping the benefits it provides to our indoor space.

Precautions And Risks Of English Ivy

English Ivy is an amazing plant to grow, but there are a few things you need to be aware of before you jump into purchasing one of these plants.

Invasive Nature

English Ivy, while providing numerous benefits, can also exhibit an invasive nature.

This fast-growing vine can quickly take over areas in spring and fall, covering trees, fences, and other structures.

Before growing an English Ivy, consult with your local extension office to make sure it is allowed (find more details here).

Toxicity to Pets and Children

It’s important for us to remember that English Ivy can be toxic to pets and children, as per the ASPCA guidelines.

The leaves and berries of English Ivy contain a compound called hederin, which can cause irritation if ingested or if it comes into contact with the skin.

To ensure the safety of our furry friends and little ones, we need to keep English Ivy plants out of their reach or choose other non-toxic houseplants.

Allergic Reaction

Lastly, while English Ivy can offer a range of health benefits, it also comes with its share of potential side effects.

Some people might experience allergic reactions, such as skin rash and blisters, when coming into contact with English Ivy.

If this happens you need to seek professional medical help immediately.

In Summary

As a low-maintenance plant, English Ivy is easy to care for and perfect for those of us who don’t have a green thumb.

This perennial foliage plant thrives in fertile, well-drained soil and only requires occasional watering when the top layer of soil begins to feel dry.

English Ivy is a superb choice as an eye-catching indoor plant. Its shade-loving, low-maintenance, and easy-to-grow nature make it the perfect houseplant for anyone looking to add a splash of greenery to their living space.

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About Me

Hi, I'm Joe! I'm the head of SEO and content management at Bloom and Bumble. I'm a huge plant lover and over the years my home has become more like an indoor rainforest. It has taken a lot of trial and error to keep my plants healthy and so I'm here to share my knowledge to the rest of the world.

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