The Ivy plants are supplied in a standard nursery pot. You can repot to a larger planter using humus-rich potting compost. Or you can leave it in the same pot and stand the pot as it is in an attractive planter. A saucer is fine too. Wait until the water has been absorbed or evaporated before watering again – water only when saucer is empty.

Choose a warm place in the living room for your Hedera helix, but really, a cool spot like a bedroom or bathroom will not be a problem. Do avoid direct sunlight on the plant. The plant will require less water in cooler surroundings.

Ivy (Hedera helix) prefers (partially) shaded spots! The Hedera helix likes to be kept humid so we recommend spraying the leaves regularly with rainwater, it will then remain beautiful. If the air is too dry, the edges of the leaves will dry and curl. This ivy plant is a fast grower without needing much feeding - if you do feed it, use plant food for leafy plants.

Water less in the winter keeping the plant slightly drier and cooler. Wait until spring to resume watering and feeding.

Extra tips

• The ivy is a vigorous plant that adapts well to all situations but given too little water it will possibly lose its leaves and look less attractive.
• If a shoot gets too long and bare, just cut it back and the plant will rejuvenate.
• Give the ivy something to climb up if you want it to climb. Bamboo canes will suffice but a ready made climbing frame can look good.
• Variegated ivy needs more light than the plain green variety.

Ivy (Hedera helix) comes from the temperate climes of Europe. It grows in woods and forests climbing through the trees but is just as happy creeping along the ground.

Hedera is self climber, the stems have small suction cups at regular intervals along the stems which helps them to attach onto any surface, they are not feeders.

Indoors, Hedera is often grown as a hanging plant too - which is not a problem for this plant and it will look very decorative.

New research has classified Hedera into the ivy family (Araliaceae).