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Considering Ivies

by on Mar 27, 2007

Ivies are some of my favorite plants. Most will grow under a lightbulb, if necessary, but generally they prefer filtered light or bright, indirect natural light. The ivies listed here prefer even moisture but don’t like a soggy pot, which means their pots should have a drainage hole. For soil, a good potting variety with equal parts loam, sand and peat moss will help them thrive. They like to be pinched back so they don’t become ‘leggy’. The easiest way to start new plants is by taking stem cuttings and placing them in a vase of water, where they’ll root. Some are considered toxic, so if you want to add those varieties to your home, you’ll want to keep them out of reach of children and animals.

The Grape Ivy (This is actually a member of the grape family, but it’s often casually included in the ivy category. It is non-toxic.)

The Swedish Ivy (It is non-toxic.)

Green leaves are growing on a plant.

The German Ivy (It is TOXIC.)

Little flowers on plants. 

The English Ivy (Of the ivies listed here, this is a bit trickier to grow as a house plant. I find they do best for me very near–but not directly IN–a south-facing window. I flush them thoroughly with water but I NEVER let them SIT in water. It is considered TOXIC.)

"A beautiful Star Shaped Leaf"