Ivies are evergreen, woody-stemmed climbers or creeping plants found all over the world. They are unusual in that their juvenile foliage is different lo the mature leaves in shape and often also color. The juvenile stage is self-clinging by means of aerial roots, but these disappear in older stems. The flowers are borne in clusters, followed by black, cream, yellow, or orange fruits.

H. canarierisis from Europe is a vigorous, large-leaved ivy that is also called Algerian ivy or Canary Island ivy. Up to 6 ½ ft. (2 m) high, it thrives in cooler positions indoors and is useful for climbing, trailing, for weaving around posts or bannisters, or as a ground cover. The stems and undersides of young leaves are covered with small red hairs, and until the plant reaches its adult phase (when the leaves change shape and texture), they are lobed, thick, matte, and leathery.

H.c. ‘Gloire de Marengo’ has light green leaves edged and splashed creamy white. H. helix is the best-known of all the ivies, with distinctively shaped, 3—5-lobed leaves. Known as English ivy, from Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia, it is a fully hardy bushy, densely-leaved plant, ideal for trailing and ground cover.

Within lire grouping, there are many variations in coloring and leaf shape; for indoors the less vigorous, decorative cultivars arc most suitable. The stems are stiff, but only self-supporting where the aerial roots can grip. They branch regularly, so the foliage fans out as it grows, and can be used to trail from a shelf or from the front of a container.

Size: Height 5-6% ft. (1-2 m)

Light: Indirect sunlight.

Temperature: Tolerates a wide range.

Moisture: Keep moist from spring to fall. In winter, apply only enough water to prevent drying out.

Feeding: Give standard liquid fertilizer every two weeks from spring through to fall.

Propagation: Layer adventitious roots, which are produced at leaf nodes along each stem, or take tip cuttings and root in water or soil.

Special needs: In high temperatures, increase the humidity by misting or placing the pot on a tray of moist pebbles. Variegated plants will lose their leaf markings if they are placed in a position that is Loo dark.