English Ivy
English ivy (Hedera helix) is a versatile, easy-to-prune trailing vine that works beautifully in hanging baskets or trained on a frame. Indoors, the two things it wants most are bright light and cooler, moist conditions — and it's notorious for spider mites when it gets hot and dry.
Care basics
- Light: Bright, indirect light is best. It can tolerate some direct morning light but not harsh, baking sun.
- Water: Keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy — water when the top of the soil dries, and don't let it sit in standing water.
- Humidity: Prefers higher humidity (around 40% or more). Dry indoor air — especially in winter — is hard on it.
- Temperature: Cool to average room temperatures; it dislikes hot, stuffy spots.
- Soil: A well-drained potting mix.
- Pruning: Extremely easy to prune to any size you want as a houseplant.
The 3 most common problems
1. Spider mites
This is the signature english ivy problem. Ivy is one of the most susceptible houseplants to spider mites — those tiny pests that speckle and web the leaves and thrive in hot, dry, dusty conditions. Fix: Raise humidity, wash the foliage (especially the undersides) with a strong spray of water, and treat with insecticidal soap as needed. See our spider mites guide.
2. Brown or crispy leaves from dry air / underwatering
English ivy turns brown and crispy in very dry air or if the soil dries out too much. Fix: Increase humidity and water more consistently — water when the top of the soil is dry. See our brown tips guide.
3. Leaf drop / root rot from overwatering
Keeping the soil soggy causes leaves to drop and roots to rot. Fix: Water when the top of the soil is dry, make sure the pot drains, and don't let it sit in water. See our root rot guide.
Pet safety note: English ivy is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it out of reach of pets. (Source: ASPCA.)
A few extra tips
English ivy is easy to keep pruned to almost any size you want as a houseplant, which is part of why it's so popular. Give it bright light, keep the soil lightly moist, and don't let the air around it get hot and dry — that combination is what invites the spider mites ivy is known for. If you do run into spider mites, catch them early, because they spread quickly once established.
English ivy at a glance
- Light: bright, indirect
- Water: keep the soil lightly moist but not soggy
- Humidity: prefers around 40% or more
- Watch for: spider mites (in hot, dry air — the big one for ivy) and brown, crispy leaves (dry air or underwatering)
Keep the air from getting hot and dry, give it bright light, and catch pests early, and english ivy is an easy, attractive trailing plant that's a pleasure to prune.