The Holly and the Ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood,
The Holly bears the crown.

The Christmas season is rapidly approaching, as can be deduced from the tinkling melodies and shining lights coming out around campus. Seeing as this is my last post for the semester, I thought it apt to partake in the holiday spirit with my favorite carol (of course, it is botanically sourced) and a more seasonably-favorable plant: Ivy.

Hedera

Ivy, scientifically categorized under the genus Hedera, are climbing evergreens, adorned with heart-, dagger-, or lobed-shaped leaves (check out this page on The American Ivy Society‘s site to view the interesting anatomy of Ivy Leaves!). Hedera come in more than ten species and a vast number of cultivars ranging from bright emerald to icy white and cool green.

In their natural habitat, ivy gild the trunks of trees and climb the sides of buildings; indoors, they do much the same, cascading over planter thresholds and sinking their aerial roots onto any and every surface they touch. Although such active growth can cause damage, it nevertheless stands as a source of intrigue for plant enthusiasts and has recognizably done so throughout the ages. But elegance and timelessness are only two of the myriad reasons that ivies remain classic houseplants; their ability to be transported indoors also resides on this lengthy list and allows for many urban junglists to claim a piece of the outdoors for themselves.

Ivy Care

Contrary to common belief, ivy are rather finicky specimens in the indoor setting; every factor from color deviation to infestation source contributes to this complexity of care.

The variety of colors- variegation, in particular- that Hedera come in make their sunlight requirements quite specific. According to The Spruce, Ivy thrive in bright, indirect sun when kept indoors, which parallels their partially-shaded condition in their native environment. More detailed light requirements depend on the particular cultivar of ivy one wishes to grow, with variegated sorts requiring medium-bright light and hardy green varieties requiring fuller indirect light.

Ivy plants do not require copious amounts of water, but their soil should be kept moist and well-drained. Indoor humidity conditions will greatly detract from the water levels of the plant, depending on the time of year, so soil should be checked for light dryness in between waterings to assure the plant is not dehydrated or water-logged.

Air conditions and temperature greatly impact the well-being of ivy plants, as well, with cool (between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit) nighttime temperatures and slightly humid air conditions comprising the most desirable conditions.

Numerous pests plague ivy plants, and the sheer number of these blights make it truly impossible for me the prescribe care remedies here, but care help can be found at SFGate and similar sites, so please do search if trouble arises!