ivy

Plants of the genus Ivy They are known as ivy and their care is very basic, very simple. In fact, they can be had both inside the home and outside, whether in the garden, balcony or terrace.

Its growth rate is quite fast, which does not have to worry because whenever you consider it necessary you can take the scissors and trim its stems as far as you see fit. Get to know them thoroughly.

Origin and characteristics of the Hedera

Our protagonists they are evergreen plants belonging to the genus Hedera, which in turn is classified within the Araliaceae family. There are about 15 species of ivy, native to the temperate and warm regions of the northern hemisphere except America. All of them are woody and have a climbing or creeping habit. depending on whether or not they have a high surface that they can use to grow in height; In the event that they do not have it, they do not exceed 20 centimeters in height, but if they find it … they will reach 30 meters or may even exceed them.

The leaves are of two types: juveniles that are lobed, and adults that are whole and cordate. The flowers, which sprout in late summer and until late autumn, are grouped in yellowish-green umbels, rich in nectar which serves as food for insects such as bees. The fruit is a fleshy, dark purple or yellow berry5-10mm, which mature in autumn-winter.

It is very important to say that, although the berries may seem appetizing, under no circumstances should we consume them since they are poisonous to humans, not so for many birds.

Types of ivy

The most common are:

ivy canariensis

Known as Canarian ivy, it is a native species of, as its name suggests, the Canary archipelago. The leaves are whole, suborbicular and cordiform in the adult branches and lobed in the young ones.

It is very similar to Ivy helixand can be easily confused. In fact, there are authors who consider it to be a subspecies of it (Ivy helix subsp. canary).

Ivy helix

Known as common ivy, it is a climbing plant found in the forests of Europe, North Africa and Asia, and also from India to Japan. Its leaves are lobed, leathery, green or variegated. (green and yellow).

Hibernian ivy

It is a climbing plant native to Europe, specifically from the Atlantic coasts. The leaves of the young branches are cordate or palmate, and those of the adults are whole or trilobed, with a brown to intense green color.

How are the Hedera cared for?

If you want to have a specimen of ivy, we recommend providing the following care:

Location

Ivy are forest plants, so taking this into account they will be kept in semi-shade outside, or in a bright room if you choose to keep them indoors.

Earth

It depends on where you are going to grow it:

• the garden: grows in all types of soils, even those with a neutral or alkaline pH.
• Flower pot: it is highly advisable to put a first layer of volcanic clay (for sale here!) or arlita (for sale here!) and then finish filling with universal substrate (for sale here!).

Irrigation

It has to be watered 3-4 times a week during the hottest and most dry season, and every 5-6 days the rest of the year. Avoid getting the leaves and stems wet, as they could rot.

And if you have it in a pot with a plate underneath, remove the excess water 30 minutes after watering, as this will prevent root suffocation.

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Besides water, It is also advisable to pay to Hedera from time to time in spring and summer. It uses organic fertilizers, such as guano (for sale here!), compost, manure from herbivorous animals or others.

Pruning

Drastic pruning can be done in late winterbut throughout the year stems that are growing too much can be trimmed a little.

Always use scissors previously disinfected with pharmacy alcohol or a few drops of dishwasher.

Multiplication

Ivy multiplies by seeds in spring and by cuttings in spring-summer:

Seeds

The seeds are sown in pots or seedling trays, ensuring that they are as far apart as possible. and burying them 1 centimeter or something less in universal substrate. Then, it is watered conscientiously, and the seedbed is placed outside in semi-shade.

Thus, and watering from time to time so that they do not dry out, they will germinate in about 15-20 days.

Cuttings

Cut a stem 20-30 centimeters long and plant it (do not nail it) in a pot with vermiculite. Protect it from direct sun and water moderately, so it will root after 20 days.

Pests

It is sensitive to Red spider, mealybugs and aphids, which are treated well with diatomaceous earth or potassium soap. Even if you want a homemade insecticide, fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of mild soap, stir well, and you will have one ready to use 🙂.

Diseases

Can be affected by fungi powdery mildew, anthracnose, bold, among others. They cause leaf spots to appear, but are treated with fungicides.

Rusticity

It depends on the species. The Ivy helixwhich is the most common, resists up to -4ºC.

What uses is it given?

Ornamental

Ivy is a plant that is used as an ornamental. Whether in pots, as a pendant, creeping or as a climber that it is, It looks great in any corner protected from the sun.

Ivy properties

Although it produces fruits that are poisonous, formerly the fresh leaves were boiled in vinegar and, later, they were applied on the sides to alleviate the pain that they could feel in that area; if it was also mixed with rose water and rose oil, it served to relieve headaches.

Today, the extracts are used to make medicines that improve symptoms of respiratory diseasessuch as colds or bronchitis.

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