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English Ivy Houseplants Care

English Ivy - Hedera helix

To Feed or Not to Feed, That is the Question

From Wanda:
I just purchased the Hedera helix #Ivy #plant. It is in a plastic planter that measures about 7" across. It is very healthy looking, and I am wondering how I can keep moisture around the plant, as I plan to hang it from my livingroom ceiling. I don't want to have to mist it every day, and I was told that putting the potted plant into another bigger pot with moss will hold in the moisture so I won't need to mist it so often. Also, I read that I may need to use a high-nitrogen liquid fertilizer monthly for the Ivy plant. Do you have any suggestions as to which brand to use? I have been using Jack's Classic basic indoor plant fertilizer for all my other plants, but did not know if this would be ok to use for the Ivy. Please get back to me and let me know, as I want to take the very best care of my plants as possible. Thank you, and have a great day.

Hi Wanda,

Thanks for the question. The suggestion to "double pot" your ivy in a moss basket is a good idea and an easy way to increase the humidity for your English Ivy. A hanging plant is subject to quite a bit more heat and dry air than a plant on the floor or table.
As for the fertilizer, it should not be necessary to feed any new plants as there should be sufficient nutrients in the potting media to last for a year or more. I personally don't use any type of plant food unless my plant starts showing signs of nutrient deficiency (which never happens) and after making sure that any problems are not caused by improper watering, insect problems, etc. I prefer to add fresh soil to the plant as it is potted up or depleted.
I know that the companies that promote (and produce) fertilizers are trying to make money but I have found they often do more harm over time (for houseplants in particular). Plants have been growing on their own for millions of years without humans giving them chemical fertilizers.
That, of course, is your own decision and you may find it is beneficial to your plants. Any other thoughts on the subject of fertilizing houseplants? Feel free to post any opinions.
And good luck with your Ivy plant.
Thanks again...
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Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 5, 2013 at 1:45 PM

    Thanks for the houseplant care advice. Always have problems with my plants and is hard to find helpful solutions that make sense.

    Pat

    ReplyDelete

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