Ivy is a collection of climbing vines or creeping plants that cover the ground and climb up buildings. Ivy plants are fast-growing plants that flourish equally well both indoors and outdoors. To climb up walls, trellises, cover arbors, or any other structure in your garden, you can plant a variety of ivies. Ivies can provide lengthy green trailing leaves in any room as an indoor houseplant.
English ivy, Algerian ivy, Irish ivy plant, Japanese ivy vine, Himalayan ivy, and Persian ivy are the most popular outdoor varieties of ivy plants. Duckfoot, Buttercup, Shamrock, and Manda’s Crested ivy are some of the most popular indoor ivy varieties.
English ivy, Persian ivy, and Irish ivy are some of the most popular varieties of outdoor Ivy plants. If you want an easy-to-care-for plant for indoors, these ivy varieties may be grown in pots.
You’ll learn about several distinct types of ivy and how to take care of them correctly in this article.
Ivy Identification
The distinctive leaf shape is often used to identify species of ivy plants. Ivy leaves are usually lobed and grow up climbing or trailing vines in a regular pattern. The variety of the ivy plant determines the size, shape, and color of its leaves.
Types of Ivy: Different Types of Ivy Plants for Indoors and Outdoors (With Pictures)
Ivy, which produces evergreen leaves that grow fast, belongs to the botanical genus Hedera. Many European, African, and Asian nations are home to ivy. The names of many ivy species come from their native countries.
Here are some of the most popular ivy plant varieties for indoors and out.
English Ivy
Type of ivy: English ivy
Ivy (Hedera helix) is a flowering vine that is a common plant in many countries and grows as a climbing evergreen vine. Ivy leaves may grow up to 4″ (10 cm) long and are broad and dark green. In the right conditions, all varieties of English ivy may climb up to 100 feet (30 meters). In shady areas with no direct sunlight, the ivy plant thrives.
From late summer through late fall, this flowering form of ivy blooms. Since most other plants have stopped blooming, this makes it a great pollen-hunting plant for bees and butterflies.
Indoor houseplants (they are on the list of the best bedroom plants) do equally well with English ivies. Bright areas and moist, rich soil are required by these hanging plants. English ivy grows well even if your room isn’t particularly bright.
The list of fast spreading ground cover plants includes English ivy.
Goldchild ivy (variety of English ivy)
Goldchild ivy in a variety of English ivy
Goldchild English ivy is a popular variety of the plant because of its smaller leaves and brilliant yellow or gold edges. The leaves of this gorgeous houseplant ivy are multicolored, which adds to the overall beauty.
Ivalace ivy
Ivalace is a type of English ivy
Ivalace is another form of English ivy (Hedera helix). The curled, glossy green leaves of this ivy climber set it apart from other types of ivy. Because of its attractive appearance, ivy is a popular houseplant. It is also a simple and adaptable plant to take care of.
Needlepoint ivy
As its name suggests, the Needlepoint ivy (Hedera helix ‘Needlepoint’) is identified by its leaf shape with small sharply-pointed lobes. Needlepoint ivy grows well in most types of soil in shady areas. This type of English ivy looks great in hanging baskets, small containers, or as ground cover in your garden.
Algerian Ivy
Type of Ivy: Algerian ivy (regular and variegated)
The climbing plant Algerian ivy (Hedera algeriensis) is a invasive climbing plant with large lobed leaves. Canary Island Ivy or North African ivy are two names for this ivy plant.
Although variegated types exist, this broad-leafed ivy plant typically has dark green leaves. With its vines stretching up to 40 feet (12 meters), Algerian ivy can climb quickly up walls.
Algerian vine ivies grow well in most soils, as do many other types of vine ivies. It requires continually wet soil to avoid its development from being constrained, despite the fact that it may flourish in bright situations.
The flowers and fruits of this plant are fairly inconspicuous, despite the fact that it is a type of flowering ivy.
Gloire de Marengo ivy
Gloire de Marengo is a variegated type of Algerian ivy with large, heart-shaped leaves. Its large leaves are greenish-gray with creamy white edges. This is a dramatic-looking ivy variety that looks good growing up walls, trellises, and slopes.
Irish Ivy Plant
Type of ivy: Irish ivy (with berries)
Ivy (Hedera Hibernica) is a kind of ivy that grows outdoors and climbs up buildings to provide ground cover. The dark green glossy leaves of Irish ivy are its most distinguishing feature. If you grow this sort of ivy in your garden, you’ll need to trim it back every spring because it’s invasive. Because of its fast growth rate, some local governments have taken steps to eliminate this kind of ivy.
Japanese Ivy Vine
Type of ivy: Japanese ivy
The heart-shaped leaves of the Japanese ivy (Hedera rhombea) are native to Asia and are rather large. The white veins running through the dark green leaves are a distinctive characteristic of Japanese ivy vine leaves. This isn’t a climbing plant, like some of the other ivies, and it doesn’t grow as tall.
Little flowers in an umbrella form are produced by Japanese ivies, which are also a flowering type of ivy. Black spherical fruits develop after the ivy blossoms.
Ivies in Japan are generally grown as ornamental components in gardens, rather than for their climbing ability or ground cover.
Himalayan Ivy
Type of ivy: Himalayan ivy
The Himalayan ivy (Hedera nepalensis) is a species that can survive at elevations of up to 3,000 meters in Asia. The Himalayan ivy leaves have light-colored veins running through them and are dark green in color. The leaves of each vine may extend up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and are triangular in shape. Vines with extremely tiny leaves, as small as 1″ (3 cm), may be seen on certain Himalayan ivy species.
The Himalayan ivy is a good option if you’re looking for a sturdy, hardy climbing ivy. Vines that grow up to 100 feet (30 meters) tall are referred to as woody. The English ivy types, as well as the Irish ivy, provide more protection than the ivy.
Persian Ivy
Type of ivy: Persian ivy
The Persian ivy (Hedera colchica), one of the fastest-growing ivies, is a great climbing ivy with large glossy leaves. Persian ivy is sometimes referred to as the “Bullock’s Heart” ivy due to its form of the leaves. In reality, among the ivy types,
Persian ivy has the biggest leaves. The dark green glossy color of the leaves ranges from 6 to 10 inches (15 to 25 cm) long.
Sulphur heart ivy (type of Persian ivy)
Persian ivy (Sulphur heart)
The Sulphur Heart (Hedera colchica) variant of Persian ivy is particularly noteworthy. The unusually large yellow and lime green leaves distinguish it. The flowers are lime green and gold, and the ivy is variegated. Growing up walls, this climbing ivy variety is stunning.
Canarian Ivy
Type of ivy: Canarian ivy
Canarian ivy (Hedera canariensis) is a native of North Africa and the Canary Islands that grows as a woody bush-like plant. The Canarian ivy is its own species, despite the fact that it is sometimes referred to as Algerian ivy.
This ivy may grow to a height of 100 feet (30 meters) and cling to a variety of surfaces. The thick canopy of glossy green leaves provides excellent concealment. Canarian ivy is also a good ground cover if there are no surfaces to cling to.
The Hedera canariensis grows and climbs at a greater speed than some other popular ivy types. You can also train Canarian ivy to become a shrub or bush in your garden. The Moroccan ivy (Hedera maroccana) is closely related to the Canarian ivy. This ivy, which grows up tree trunks and on rock faces, is also prevalent on the Canary Islands.
Russian Ivy
Type of ivy: Russian ivy
Russian ivy (Hedera pastuchovii) is a kind of ivy vine with long climbing stems that grows up trees in the forests. The Russian ivy features thin, light green leaves with wavy edges, unlike other forms of ivy. As a climbing vine rather than a creeping ivy on the ground, the Russian ivy vine thrives.
This becomes a flowering ivy with little white flowers that turn into tiny inedible fruit during the summer. The Russian ivy (Fallopia baldschuanica) is not to be confused with another kind of climbing vine. Long dangling white blooms are also produced by this fast-growing vine.
Boston Ivy
Boston ivy is not a ‘true’ type of ivy
The Japanese Creeper or Woodbine is a kind of flowering woody vine that belongs to the Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata).
Despite the fact that Boston ivy is a popular type of ivy, it isn’t true ivy. Because of its climbing ability, this type of vine is classified as an ivy. Its leaves are quite large, providing substantial coverage. Each leaf is 3-pointed and measures 2–8 inches (5–20 cm) in diameter. It thrives between 2 and 8 inches (5 and 20 cm).
On the façade of buildings, Boston ivy thrives. Indeed, in the summertime, certain building owners employ Boston ivies to provide shade.
Swedish Ivy Varieties
Swedish ivy is not a ‘true’ type of ivy
The genus Plectranthus belongs to the genus Plectranthus, not the genus Ivy. It isn’t related to plants in the Hedera genus, and it’s a kind of flowering plant in the same family as sage and mint.
In reality, the term “Swedish Ivy” is deceptive on a variety of levels. Next, the trailing plant doesn’t stick to surfaces or walls. Furthermore, the green-leafed plant isn’t native to Sweden.
The Swedish ivy, also known as Swedish begonia or “creeping Charlie,” is a good hanging basket plant with long trailing leaves.
Types of Ivy Plants for Indoors
Different types of ivies are a good option if you’re looking for easy-to-care-for indoor plants. Ivy species thrive in a variety of soils, don’t like direct sunlight, and develop quickly. The trailing vines and variegated leaves of different ivy species make them appealing house plants in addition to their ability to climb.
Ivy may be planted in hanging baskets or placed on top of cupboards or in pots on shelves. The best shower plants list includes some types of ivy plants.
The English ivy, also known as Hedera helix varieties, is the most commonly used type of ivy indoors. Here is a list of some of the most popular ivy houseplants:
- Duckfoot little green leaves in the form of a duck’s foot make up this kind of English ivy. Red stems on this indoor ivy plant grow well in pots or containers.
- Buttercup Every year, little yellowish-green flowers emerge from the broad leaves of ivy houseplants.
- Shamrock The leaves of shamrock-shaped climbing ivy are tiny and evergreen. Every year, the ivy produces blooms and black berries, making it a excellent houseplant.
- Manda’s Crested The leaves of this climbing ivy are dark green and have a wavy edge. In the winter, the leaves take on a bronze color.
How to care for types of indoor ivy houseplants
How should I look after sprouting ivy plants indoors?
Ivy first requires a lot of natural lighting, but it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. If your variegated ivies fail to receive enough sunlight, they might begin to fade.
Don’t let the soil in your pots get too wet when it comes to watering. Make sure the soil is on the dry side before watering your ivy houseplant. To avoid the ivy from growing in water, there should be sufficient drainage from the pot.
It’s also a good idea to clean the ivy leaves off once in a while. You may also rinse the leaves by placing the entire plant in the shower. This will also keep your ivy looking healthy by watering the ground sufficiently.
How to care for outdoor climbing ivy vines
In places where other outdoor plants struggle to grow, Ivies are a great choice. Ivy vines should be planted in well-drained soil for all types of ivy to grow successfully outdoors. Ivy grows best in slightly alkaline soil, and most types can tolerate a wide pH range.
Water your ivy frequently in the first year following planting to help it establish. Just water the climbing vine when the weather is particularly dry after it has been established. Try to avoid the soil from becoming soggy by making sure it is always dry.
To keep your ivy under control and promote healthy development, you’ll need to trim it back every three years or so. Plant ivy vines in containers and place them where you want them to grow if you want to keep them from becoming too invasive. Roots will be contained in the container pots to avoid them from spreading.