English ivy is a vine that thrives in warm climates.English ivy is a popular choice for ground cover or to grow up a wall or other structure in some regions.English ivy can be grown in the ground, indoors or outdoors, and can survive in shade, partial shade or full sun.Gardeners with little experience can learn to grow English ivy because of its hardy nature.
Step 1: Determine your location.
Hardiness zones are based on temperature and location and determine which plants grow well in which areas.English ivy is not hardy outside of the 4 to 9 temperature range.You can determine your zone by looking at a farmer's almanac or the USDA website.
Step 2: You can find an area with fertile and well-drained soil.
English ivy likes fertile soil.If you intend to place the plant in an area that can accommodate this, be sure to use a container where you can control the planting medium.
Step 3: The area needs ground cover.
English ivy is a fast spreading plant.Before planting, check its status in your area.
Step 4: You should look for a wall.
English ivy can climb up a wall, tree, or other structure.If you live in a brick house, you want the ivy to grow and spread over your home.You can plant your ivy nearby if you choose a location like this.
Step 5: Look for a container.
English ivy is considered an Invasive species in some places.You may want to put English ivy in a container.Any planting container with a hole will work.Put planting medium in this container.
Step 6: Take plants from an existing plant.
If you know someone who has an English ivy plant, begin by taking several inches of clippings.Use a sharp knife to cut the vines just below the small bumps where a leaf grows.
Step 7: The water should be in a glass.
Place the water in the sun and leave the budding plant to grow.The advantage of rooting in water is that you can see how large the roots grow, but it is more difficult to transfer them to soil once they are large enough.
Step 8: The cuttings should be placed in the soil.
Make sure the to is well drained and filled with moist soil.If you want your English ivy to grow, avoid putting it in direct sunlight for 3-6 weeks.
Step 9: It's time to move the cuttings.
If you planted English ivy in water, make sure to move it when the roots are long.If you planted English ivy in the soil, move it after 3-6 weeks.
Step 10: Make sure your soil is moist.
When spraying down your soil, make sure it is evenly moistened, but not very wet.Make sure the soil is draining well.
Step 11: There is a suitable location.
English ivy can be planted in mild shade or indirect sunlight.
Step 12: The holes are about 1 to 2 feet apart.
You want your ivy to grow onto the wall if you poke holes that are 2 feet away.
Step 13: There is water and mulch.
For optimal growth, English ivy needs to be mulched and watered regularly.Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy from spring through fall and then keep it slightly dryer in the winter.
Step 14: It's a good idea to water the ivy.
After the initial planting, English ivy needs about 1 inch of water a week.This can come from either rain or manual watering.You can begin watering less after your ivy is established.
Step 15: The ivy plant needs a lot of fertilization.
You can give your English ivy a small amount of fertilization in the spring.You shouldn't use more than 2 tbsp.30 mL per square foot is the amount of slow acting nitrogenfertilizer.
Step 16: Take care of the ivy.
To maintain a clean and tidy appearance, you will want to groom your ivy now and then.To keep the shape and appearance of the ivy, clip stray branches with garden shears.
Step 17: Well established English ivy beds should be cut back.
You will need to trim your ivy beds every 3-4 years.Your English ivy will stay healthy if this action is taken.
Step 18: It is a good idea to spray with soapy water.
If you notice that your plant is less vibrant, take a close look at the pests.Both types of insects are visible with the naked eye.You can control the insects by spraying them with soapy water.Combine a few squirts of detergent with water in a spray bottle.If you want to rid your plant of spider mites, mist it with soapy water once a day for three days.After a heavy rain, spray you plant once every 1-2 weeks.