Ivy- California

Hedera helix is better known as English Ivy, California Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Baltic Ivy, or Common Ivy. The list of Ivy varieties is lengthy and continually being expanded.  All of these plants are vining perennials native to parts of Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia and easily grow indoors as a houseplant where they are well behaved. Green California Ivy has solid green leaves that grow in size as they mature. Ivy can be grown on its own as a specimen plant or added to a mixed hanging basket of other indoor vines.

Best Locations For Growing Green California Ivy

Ivy is one of the top plants for air filtration in a house or office setting. The leaves filter toxins from carpets, paint, and other indoor furnishings, and add oxygen to the air. The fact that it can tolerate a reasonable amount of neglect makes this plant easy for a first-time houseplant grower. All parts of Green California Ivy are poisonous, and this plant should be kept away from children and pets.

Green California Ivy Sunlight Requirements

Indoors, Ivy needs indirect bright light to keep it growing robust and compact. Lower light will result in sparse, leggy growth that is not a rich green color. Hanging baskets of Ivy should be hung on a wall opposite a window with southern or western exposure. Hanging Ivy in direct sun will cause burning of the leaves and dieback of the stems. 

Green California Ivy Care

Use indoor potting soil with added perlite or vermiculite to aid drainage and keep the soil light and loose. Ivy can get dusty indoors and can be given a shower every so often to clean off the leaves. Use room temperature water and thoroughly wet both sides of the leaves. Leave the Ivy to drain in the shower for a couple of hours before moving it back into its regular position. Ivy tolerates being mildly rootbound and will only need repotting when the roots begin to grow out of the drainage holes.