Am I Taking Good Care Of My Ivy Tree Houseplant?

Do you keep your ivy tree away from direct sunlight?

Did you planted your ivy tree in well-drained potting soil?

Did you provide a cool environment with plenty of humidity for your houseplant?

Are you making sure that the soil is kept consistently moist throughout the growing season?

Do you fertilize your plant weekly during the growing season?

Do you have enough room to make it a climbing houseplant?

Do you keep your ivy tree free of pests and diseases?

Ivy tree will thrive in anything from bright light to light shade in the summer, provided it gets slightly dimmer light in the winter. It doesn't like direct sunlight, but dappled sunlight is fine. The level of variegation can be influenced by how much light you provide — the lighter, the stronger the variegation. All-green varieties need less light and, therefore are considered a bit easier to grow.

A light, fast-draining potting soil is perfect for ivy trees. You can use fortified soils. In an outdoor garden, grow it in rich, well-drained garden soil.

Ivy tree is a cool-room plant with a maximum winter temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Just as with ivy, the key to growing these successfully is to provide plenty of humidity in a cool environment. During dry winter months, indoor plants should be regularly misted. Plants that are exposed to hot, dry air will turn brown and drop their leaves.

Keep the soil moist in the summer growing season and slightly drier in the winter. Do not water with warm water. Overwatered plants tend to drop their leaves, or the leaves will turn yellow.

During the growing season, feed weekly with a weak liquid fertilizer that includes micronutrients. These plants are relatively high feeders and will respond well to ample fertilization.

If you don't have room for a climbing plant, pinch off the growing shoots to encourage a shrubby growth habit. If a rambling, sprawling habit is acceptable, you need not prune it very much.

Good job! You are taking good care of your ivy tree houseplant.

These plants are vulnerable to spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. Look under the big leaves for signs of infestation, or look for crinkling or curled leaves. Treat infestations early to prevent the pests from spreading to the whole plant or your other houseplants.