Ivy as Houseplants?

Q: Are there ivy varieties that are better suited for growing as houseplants? So many that I try begin to die from the older leaves (close to the soil) – it starts by wilting and then begins to dry out. Over time this problem pretty much takes over the plant – I have two small ivy plants that are growing beautifully indoors but do not know the name of it – the tag said asterick but I know that is not them. These plants have leaves that are not as spikey looking as asterick and only have three branches of the leaf making them appear more like a heart – thank you for any information you can give me.

A: Please go to: http://www.ivy.org/gallery/asterik.jpg to view a good photo of Hedera helix cv Asterik. You could also send us a photo of your ivy and I could pass it on to our Director of Research for possible identification.

Most cultivars of Hedera helix or English Ivy will grow indoors as well as outdoors but like every hard fast rule there are some that are happier outdoors. Generally, you must keep in mind the conditions of your house and think about the conditions that the ivy or other plants prefer. Most houses in the winter are hot and dry with poor air circulation and low light. Ivies like bright light, not direct sun when inside, cool nights with considerable moisture in the air. It is hard for anyone to provide these conditions. Find a bright spot that is cool at night – it can be down to the 50s' with some humidity in the air. I have used things like pebble tray or simply left fancy vases of water sitting among my ivy to help them indoors during the winter. A pebble tray is a tray with a layer of pebbles and water. The plant sits on the pebbles but not in the water. The water evaporates around the plant giving the humidity it needs.

During mild weather or when it gets about 40-45 degrees at night and above 50 in the day time you can put your ivies outdoors a day or two per week or maybe just 3 or 4 days per month. If you have more than one ivy, rotate them in and out. Be sure you are putting them in a shady spot when rotating them from the house. It is also a good idea to give them a good shower when you bring them indoors.