Ivy is a common creeping plant that you can see growing indoors or on the outside of houses! There are several types of indoor ivy plants that can beautify your home with their unique leaves and small sizes.
Here are 14 types of ivy plants to grow indoors or around the house:
- English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Algerian Ivy (Hedera algeriensis)
- Persian Ivy (Hedera colchica)
- Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
- Japanese Ivy (Hedera rhombea)
- Irish Ivy (Hedera hibernica)
- Needlepoint Ivy (Hedera helix “needlepoint”)
- Fluffy Ruffles Ivy (Hedera helix ‘Fluffy Ruffles’)
- Gold Dust Ivy (Hedera helix ‘Gold Dust’)
- Madeira Ivy (Hedera maderensis)
- Jubilee Ivy (Hedera helix ‘Jubilee’)
- Himalayan Ivy (Hedera nepalensis)
- Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
- Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
14 Types of Ivy As Indoor Plants
Many people have seen Ivy plants, usually on the exterior of a home, climbing up the walls. Especially in the English countryside where they completely blanket the wall. But I’m sure you have never considered it as a houseplant. Yes, they are invasive and even aggressive in their growth habits.
But the new variants that are now available are being bred for more compact growth with smaller and more decorative leaves. So why not give them a try, here are 14 types to consider!
#1. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
This is a common type of Indoor Ivy Plants ivy plant that I feel sure that you have seen at your local garden center. This is a perennial plant that is fast growing and if left unabated can grow to 50 feet tall. It does equally well in sun or shade and does not mind creeping along the ground in the shade of trees.
English ivy makes a good houseplant as it is easy to care for, and easy to propagate.
Light: Although they can take some direct sun they prefer bright indirect sun. Too much sun can result in browning leaves
Water: Overwater your ivy and you will be faced with root rot. Only water when the top inch of the soil is dry
Soil: Loamy soils that drain well
Fertilizer: Give your English ivy fertilizer a half-strength fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season
Humidity: This plant appreciates a bit of humidity, but does well with whatever humidity is present in the house
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#2. Algerian Ivy (Hedera algeriensis)
This is an evergreen ivy that is variegated. The center of the leaf is green and the edges are a creamy yellow, this is truly a striking plant. In colder regions this plant is treated as an annual, however, it can be brought indoors during winter. It can creep up walls even without support. It is suited to USDA zones 7-11.
Light: This type of ivy does best in bright indirect light. The excessive sun causes leaf fading
Water: The Algerian ivy enjoys being moist, water when the topsoil is dry
Soil: This ivy grows best in well-draining organic-rich soil
Fertilizer: Feed during the growing season with a half-diluted balanced fertilizer
Humidity: The Algerian ivy benefits from high humidity
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#3. Persian Ivy (Hedera colchica)
Persian ivy can grow outdoors to lengths of almost 40 feet. This is a hardy plant and can survive all seasons. It can be grown over walls and can also be used as a ground cover. The best part of having the Persian ivy as a ground cover is that it prevents soil erosion.
There are variegated indoor versions of the Persian ivy that are suitable as houseplants. It is easy to care for plants and can do with low light.
Light: Bright indirect light is the best (too much sun will scorch the leaves)
Watering: Persian ivy loves water. So water deeply and thoroughly and allow it to dry somewhat before watering again. Avoid keeping them in soggy soil
Soil: Most potting mixes will do, though it prefers soil that is slightly acidic
Fertilizer: Feed every two weeks when in the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer
Humidity: Medium humidity but can tolerate low humidity as well
#4. Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus Tricuspidata)
Most Ivys are evergreen, the Boston ivy changes color with the seasons. The reason for this could be that even though Boston ivy looks like ivy, it’s just an imposter! From a deep green, it changes to yellow, orange, red, and lastly to a deep maroon in the fall.
Needless to say, it is a popular and prized ornamental plant. It is found usually on college campuses and public areas. It is a hardy plant, easy to care for like most ivy plants, it can also tolerate a wide range of conditions, you will find it thriving in USDA zones 4-8.
Light: Boston ivy needs bright light, if you cannot satisfy this condition you can always supplement with grow lights
Watering: Water when dry to the touch. A lot of water can cause them to rot
Soil: Well draining potting mix soil
Fertilizer: Using a water-soluble fertilizer feed your Boston ivy every 2 weeks
Humidity: Handles varied humidity levels
#5. Japanese Ivy (Hedera rhombea)
This type of ivy is commonly grown indoors, it can reach a height of 20 feet. It is not demanding in terms of light and as a bonus, it improves air quality in the home. Again this plant is easy to care for, and low maintenance.
Light: Bright indirect light, but it can thrive in low light too. Too much sun can scorch the leaves
Watering: Water when dry to the touch, do not overwater
Soil: Well draining potting mix will do
Fertilizer: Fertilize once a month during the growing season, with a fertilizer diluted to half strength
Humidity: Prefers high humidity but can do ok with household conditions, although you can mist the plant now and again.
#6. Irish Ivy (Hedera hibernica)
Irish ivy is also known as indoor Irish ivy and it belongs to the order of hedera, which can be found throughout Europe and parts of Asia. This is yet another low-maintenance ivy that’s easy to look after. It is quite a drought tolerant and can survive in both sunny and shady positions.
Light: Bright indirect light can do, but it has no problem if the light is less. A long time in direct light can end up giving your ivy plant yellow leaves
Watering: Water the Irish ivy when the top inch of soil is dry
Soil: Porous, alkaline soil rich in organic matter
Fertilizer: Fertilize every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer
Humidity: Medium to high humidity
#7. Needlepoint Ivy (Hedera helix “needlepoint”)
This ivy is a variation of the English ivy but it differs slightly in terms of the foliage. Its name has been derived from the unique leaf shapes which are 3 to 5 lobed, that taper to a long thin point. The delicate angular shape adds interest and looks attractive as a trailing plant.
Light: Bright indirect light or even full shade
Watering: Water when the top inch feels dry to the touch, do not overwater
Soil: Well-draining Potting Mix. Although not particularly fussy about soils
Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season
Humidity: Moderate to high humidity
#8. Fluffy Ruffles Ivy (Hedera helix ‘Fluffy Ruffles’)
As the name suggests this cultivar has leaves that are curly and ruffled, rather like some forms of lettuce. In addition to this, the leaves are delicately colored in pale pink, green, and creamy yellow.
Light: Sun to partial shade
Watering: Water regularly, when the top is dry
Soil: Well draining potting soil
Fertilizer: Fertilizer as per usual
Toxicity: The entire plant is toxic and should not be ingested
Humidity: High humidity
#9. Gold Dust Ivy (Hedera helix ‘Gold Dust’)
This ivy has different variegation patterns on each leaf. The leaves are also sprinkled with golden yellow color, which is from where it got its name.
Light: Full sun to partial shade, or partial sun to dappled shade
Watering: Water when partially dry. It is drought tolerant
Soil: It can be potted in slightly acidic soil, but is not exactly fussy about soil preferences
Fertilizer: You can fertilize every two weeks or monthly during the growing season.
Toxicity: Leaves and fruit of this plant are toxic
Humidity: Low to medium humidity
#10. Madeira Ivy (Hedera maderensis)
It stays as an evergreen and reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet. The Madeira ivy makes an excellent hedge and it is deer resistant, as well as tolerant of a wide range of soils. It is a very good air purifier, removing harmful toxins and air pollution from the air.
Light: Although it can do with less than average light, it prefers bright indirect light
Watering: Water your Madeira ivy when the top inch is dry, water thoroughly until it drains out at the bottom.
Soil: Will grow in all types of soils you provide it with
Fertilizer: Feed your plant every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Feed during the growing season
Humidity: Medium to high humidity
#11. Jubilee Ivy (Hedera helix ‘Jubilee’)
The jubilee ivy is actually a miniature version of English Ivy. People who like small plants due to limited space will like this indoor ivy plant. It is much smaller with leaves that are variegated with cream against the green background of the leaves.
Light: Bright sunlight, but not direct sun
Water: Moderate, but keeping moist during summer
Soil: Clay loam or sand-based soils
Fertilizer: Fertilize every 2 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer only during the growing season
Humidity: High to moderate humidity
#12. Himalayan Ivy (Hedera nepalensis)
The Himalayan ivy plant isn’t just unique because of its standout dark green leaves with light veins but also the fact that it can grow at altitudes of up to 3000 meters above sea level! Given the conditions it grows in, this ivy is woody and quite hardy!
Light: Indirect to medium sunlight (tolerates shade better than other ivies)
Water: Average watering efforts
Soil: Porous soil containing more soil or grit
Fertilizer: Occasional fertilizing (every 2-3 months in the growing season)
Humidity: Medium to high humidity
Toxicity: All parts are toxic due to the presence of Saponins, we don’t suggest growing it indoors!
#13. Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
Although Swedish Ivy isn’t actually an ivy nor is it from Sweden, it makes it onto the list as an ivy-like plant. It is an appealing hanging plant that has circular leaves with serrations at the ends! Notably, these plants do not actually cling to buildings with their roots.
Light: Indirect and bright sunlight (4-6 hours daily)
Water: Water frequently to maintain moist soil
Soil: Potting mixes that drain well and have an acidic pH (5.5-6.5)
Fertilizer: Every week or so with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10, N-P-K)
Humidity: Low to medium humidity
#14. Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
No, it’s not really an ivy but another popular plant you would know by the name pothos. It has almost heart-shaped leaves that can be brightly green colored or variegated with a lighter green almost cream color. Devil’s ivy requires replanting every two years.
Light: Indirect sunlight, direct sun burns the leaves
Water: Water only when the soil feels dry
Soil: Potting mix with excellent drainage
Fertilizer: Use a liquid fertilizer, but only during spring
Humidity: Medium to high humidity
Conclusion
Ivy plants are loved for their unique appearance but even more for their ability to creep or climb and cover walls or create hedges. There are several indoor and outdoor ivy plants that can beautify your home and garden.
These are a few Ivy varieties that can be grown indoors. Though, there are so many more that exist but cannot be grown indoors or near the house because of their large size or incompatible growing conditions.
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FAQS
How to identify ivy plants?
You can easily identify ivy types by looking at their leaves. Ivy leaves are popular for their lobed leaves, usually having 3 to 5 lobes per leaf. Also, the leaves appear alternatingly placed on stems that trail, creep, or climb.
What is the best ivy to grow on a house?
Ivy plants covering the outer walls of your house can be more appealing than looking at old walls. The best ivy to grow on a house is English ivy or Boston ivy as they will rapidly and stay fixed to your wall.
