English ivy care guide
Hedera helix
Quick answer
Water your English ivy when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer that’s typically every 6 to 8 days.
- WateringEvery 6 to 8 days · summer
Every 11 to 17 days · winter - LightBright, indirect light
- Climate10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
- Pet safetyToxic to cats and dogs
Not sure it’s this plant?Get the free Botanicaly app and find out with a photoWhen and how to water
3 cm (1.2 in)
- Summer · Jun–AugEvery 6 to 8 days
- Winter · Dec–FebEvery 11 to 17 days
Use room-temperature water and let any excess drain. Never leave the pot sitting in standing water.
Adjust the timing for the light at the plant, the pot’s size and material, and the humidity indoors. Terracotta dries faster than glazed ceramic.
Work out your own rhythm with the watering calculator.
Light and placement
Bright, indirect light
English ivy thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Feeding
Feed your English ivy every 30 days while it’s actively growing. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer at half the strength on the label, and only on soil that’s already damp. Feeding dry roots can scorch them.
When growth pauses, skip the fertilizer and let it rest.
Temperature & humidity
Climate10–24 °C (50–75 °F)
Humidity50–70%
English ivy is comfortable between 10 and 24 °C (50–75 °F). It handles a cool room well, even in winter, as long as it stays above 5 °C (41 °F).
It does best at 50–70% humidity. It doesn’t need misting.
Common problems
Yellowing, drooping, and dry edges often point to watering or drainage. Compare the signs before changing the routine.
Find what’s wrong
Toxic to pets?
Yes. Keep it out of reach.
Wear gloves when you cut or repot it. Keep the sap away from your eyes and skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Pet-safety information in the JungleBook uses ASPCA reference data where available. It is reference information, not veterinary advice.
Full English ivy toxicity guide →
Pet-safe alternatives with similar light
Common questions
How often should I water an English ivy?
Water your English ivy (Hedera helix) when the top 3 cm (1.2 in) of soil feel dry to the touch. In summer, that’s typically every 6 to 8 days. In winter, slow down to every 11 to 17 days.
How much light does an English ivy need?
English ivy thrives in bright, indirect light. Direct midday sun can scorch the leaves. Place it 1–2 meters back from an east or west window, or behind a sheer curtain on a south window.
Is English ivy safe for cats and dogs?
The source reports vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, drooling. Keep English ivy out of reach of pets, or pick a non-toxic alternative like string of turtles, spider plant, pinstripe calathea, or moth orchid.
Why is my English ivy turning yellow or drooping?
Yellowing, drooping and brown tips can have several causes. Check the potting mix before adding water and follow this plant’s watering and rest instructions. If the mix is still wet, do not add more water. Check drainage and roots, then light, humidity, water quality and pests. Faded color or webbing alone does not show that the roots need water.
Sources4 references
- Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Plants of the World OnlineAccepted name · classification · native range
- Royal Horticultural SocietyWhy grow ivy indoors · planting · ongoing care · watering · feeding · problems · Plant profile · growing conditions · moisture · position
- North Carolina State University Extension Gardener Plant ToolboxHouseplant versus landscape context · insects, diseases, and other plant problems
- ASPCA Animal Poison ControlScientific name · toxic principle · dog, cat, and horse toxicity · clinical signs
- How we check our plant advice
Last reviewed:
