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How Fast Does Ivy Grow – 4 Things You Need To Grow It Indoors

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Do you picturise ivy lusciously growing up along the sides of the wall when you think about an ancient cottage? If yes, welcome to the club! I love these plants for their heart-shaped leaves that come in a variety of colors.

Nevertheless, despite its beauty, the Ivy is generally considered an invasive plant due to its rapid growth. If left unattended, it can smother a building, cover any tree, fence, or just about anything else it encounters.

Therefore I prefer to grow these beauties indoors as a houseplant. This way they never get out of hand. With the right dose of care, water, and light, the ivy can add a touch of elegance to any home. Seeing them cascading from hanging baskets or growing in containers is definitely a sight to behold. 

Before you get ready to make this classic vine a part of your home you must know about how fast does ivy grow. Apart from giving you the answer to this question, I have also provided 5 excellent tips to grow Ivy indoors. So let’s get started!

How Fast Does Ivy Grow

How Fast Does Ivy Grow?

When grown indoors, the Ivy can grow to a maximum height of 9 feet in a year. However, the growth rate in the first year of planting is slow. It picks up pace in its second year, and by the third year, it reaches its full potential. Thus it takes a couple of years to see any significant growth.

To boost quicker growth, use appropriate fertilizers along with showering it with some tender loving care.

4 Tips to Grow Ivy Indoors

The conditions available for any plant to grow affects its rate of growth and its overall health. Although the Ivy plant is very adaptable, there are a few factors that affect its growth rate.

Therefore if you want your ivy to thrive, it is imperative to provide it with the right ingredients to fuel its growth. Here is what you show know:

1. Watering

Ivies do not require too much water. Thus, do not be overzealous when you are watering an ivy plant. Wait till the top layer of the potting soil is dry before watering the plant. If you excessively water the ivies, their leaves will turn brown and begin to dry on the edges.

This is because the plant roots are too wet and are basically drowning in the extra water. As a result, the roots cannot supply the much-needed nutrients to the plant. Thus be cautious and make sure there are drainage holes in the pot to remove the excess water.

Do note that watering the ivy inadequately can also cause a great deal of stress to the plant and lead to pest infestations. It is, therefore, necessary to nail the right quantity.

2. Light

To help the ivies grow at a faster rate, you must provide suitable light conditions. While some varieties of ivy prefer full to medium shade, others grow well in bright light. So if you have an ivy that has white variegation on its leaves, keep it a place where it does not get much direct sunlight.

On the other hand, if your ivy has green leaves, place it in a corner where it can receive a good amount of sunlight.

3. Temperature and Humidity

Although ivies can survive in any weather condition, an environment with a temperature of 10 °C to 21 °C (50 °F to 70 °F) is usually considered most suitable for their growth. The ivy plant also likes moist air.

Therefore it is a good idea to increase the humidity of your home when growing ivies indoors. If getting a humidifier seems like a big investment, you can follow my simple trick to raise the humidity levels around the ivies.

Take a saucer and place some pebbles in it. Then pour in some water and place the pot with the ivy on it. As the water evaporates slowly, it will raise the humidity level around the plant.

4. Potting Soil

As mentioned earlier, Ivies are very adaptable. They can grow in a wide variety of soils with different PH levels. However, when growing them indoors, I highly recommend using a loose, well-drained potting mix.

You can also use some organic compost to prevent the root from rotting. To promote the growth of my ivies, you can mix any of the following things in the soil:

  • Tea
  • Eggshells
  • Banana peels
  • Epsom salt

How To Keep The Ivies Healthy

Caring for Ivies is easy as they are really the easiest houseplant to grow. They do not require too many fertilizers; however, using it in moderate amounts will enhance its growth rate. While shopping for fertilizer, choose one that is rich in potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen.

For optimal growth, remember to use only half of the recommended dosage. Never exceed the recommended dosage as it may hinder the growth of your ivy or cause permanent damage. Also, do not put the fertilizer on the leaves as it can burn them.

It is sufficient to fertilize the ivy once a month in the fall, summer, and spring. As winter is a dormant period for ivies, avoid fertilizing it during this time.

Although plant diseases are not common in indoor ivy plants, damage due to insects can occur. Mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids are the most common insect pests known to trouble your ivies.

Here are tips for effective pest control:

1. Nip It in the Bud

If the area infested is small, you can simply prune out the ivy plant’s damaged parts. Pruning the plant regularly not only rids it from unwanted pests but also helps to keep it under a manageable size.

As some people develop a rash when the skin comes in contact with the ivy sap, gloves’ usage is personally advised.

2. Wash It Off

To stop the insects in their tracks, early intervention is the best approach. Therefore when I notice the early signs of danger, I prefer to physically wash the leaves. All you need to do is carry the plant to the shower and rinse it under running water. Do this gently and try to avoid disturbing the soil.

If the infestation has become more advanced, dunk the plant upside down in a soapy solution. To prevent the soil from falling over, cover it with plastic or some foil. This will keep the soil securely inside the pot.

3. Maintain a Cool Temperature

Maintaining high humidity and cooler temperatures will help to ward off most common pests. However, this may cause your ivy to grow at a slightly slower rate.


Over to You – Things You Need to Grow Ivy Indoors

1. The Plant

You can easily grow an ivy plant by taking a cutting from the tip or stem of an existing plant. Most varieties grow well in water.

So simply remove the leaf at the bottom of the stem and place it in a jar filled with water. Keep it in a well-lit place. You will see the roots develop in a few weeks. If you want to skip this step, you can buy an ivy plant online.

How Fast Does Ivy Grow Ivy House Plant in 6 Grow Pot

2. Planters

The ivy plant does not have deep roots. Therefore, you can plant it in a shallow, wide container. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to drain off excess water. This will prevent the roots from rotting. I suggest using hanging planters as they accentuate the beauty of the ivy plant.

How Fast Does Ivy Grow Mkono 9 Inch Ceramic Hanging Planter

3. Humidifier

Humidity is essential for aiding the fast growth of indoor ivy. If the conditions indoors are too dry, the ivy is susceptible to infestation. Low humidity can also cause the leaves to turn yellow or wilt. Hence investing in a humidifier or using DIY techniques to increase the humidity is very much required.

How Fast Does Ivy Grow Cool Mist Humidifier

4. Liquid Fertilizer

I find liquid fertilizers a better alternative for indoor plants as it promotes healthy plant growth and prevents wilting. While choosing fertilizers, opt for one with 100% natural ingredients. They deliver the best results that can produce vibrant leaves, sturdy roots, and strong stems.


Conclusion

Although ivies have their quirks, it is a beautiful and versatile plant that can beautify your home in many different ways. From suspending it from an indoor hanging basket to allowing it to grow on an indoor wall, the possibilities are endless.

I prefer the metal trellis for my ivies as it is a lovely way of bringing a tiny outdoor inside the home. I hope you now have a good idea about how fast ivy grows and what you can do to promote its growth.

How Fast Does Ivy Grow Seway Garden Metal Trellis

If you know someone who has an ivy plant either indoors or outdoors, do consider requesting them for a small cutting. It might become your first step towards an endless love affair with the ivies!

Liked what you read? Do feel free to share it with your loved ones. Also, if you have any suggestions or questions lingering in your mind, please write it in the comments box. Happy gardening!