The Ultimate Guide to Growing and Caring for Indoor Ivy Plants

If you’re looking for low-maintenance, beautiful houseplants that don’t need direct sunlight, ivy plants are a fantastic choice. Not only are they easy to propagate from cuttings, but their graceful stems and tendrils add an elegant touch to any home decor. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 16 different types of ivy plants that thrive indoors and how to care for them to ensure they flourish in your home.

English Ivy

English ivy is a popular backyard plant known for its deep green, intricately shaped leaves. While it can be invasive when grown outdoors, it can be easily managed in containers or hanging baskets indoors. This ivy plant thrives in low-light conditions, making it an ideal choice for indoor cultivation.

Name: English Ivy
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Deep green, thick, intricately shaped

Swedish Ivy

Swedish ivy is a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts due to its simple care regimen and ease of propagation. With its deep burgundy red stems and light green leaves, Swedish ivy adds a pop of color to any indoor space. This variety comes in various cultivars, including the variegated Plectranthus australis.

Name: Swedish Ivy
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Light green with deep burgundy red stems

Algerian Ivy

Algerian ivy is an attractive and easy-to-care-for ivy plant available in many variegated cultivars. Its fast growth habit means regular trimming is necessary to keep it manageable indoors.

Name: Algerian Ivy
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Variegated, fast-growing

Glacier English Ivy

This variegated cultivar of English ivy has deeply pointed leaves with creamy white edges, adding a touch of elegance to any indoor space. With regular pruning, this rapid-growing ivy plant can make a stunning houseplant.

Name: Glacier English Ivy
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Creamy white edges on deeply pointed leaves

Himalayan Ivy

Himalayan ivy is often mistaken for English ivy due to its similar appearance and growth habits. However, Himalayan ivy has more elongated leaf tips and slightly curlier foliage compared to English ivy.

Name: Himalayan Ivy
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Curly, elongated leaf tips

Marengo Ivy

This variegated Algerian ivy cultivar features wide margins of white on large, heart-shaped leaves. Unlike traditional English ivy plants, Marengo ivy can tolerate more sunlight exposure and thrives in bright, indirect light.

Name: Marengo Ivy
Light: Bright, indirect light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Heart-shaped with white margins

Yellow Ripple Ivy

Yellow Ripple ivy is a compact grower with delicate, lacy leaves featuring a pretty gold and yellow edging. This cultivar is easy to maintain and adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.

Name: Yellow Ripple Ivy
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Delicate, lacy leaves with gold and yellow edging

Persian Ivy

Also known as Bullock’s Heart ivy, Persian ivy offers a dramatic ornamental appeal with its large, glossy leaves and thick, leathery texture. The downward-curling edges of the leaves give the plant a unique appearance.

Name: Persian Ivy
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Large, glossy leaves with thick texture

Atlantic Ivy Rona

This unique Atlantic ivy cultivar, also known as Irish ivy, features dark green mottling on a creamy white background, creating a striking appearance as the leaves mature. Growing best in shady locations, this compact ivy plant is easy to care for.

Name: Atlantic Ivy Rona
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Dark green mottling on creamy white background

Goldchild English Ivy

With its pale gold and yellow variegation, Goldchild English Ivy adds a sought-after color variation to indoor spaces. This gentle, non-invasive ivy plant thrives in partial shade or indirect light, with sunlight intensifying its vibrant colors.

Name: Goldchild English Ivy
Light: Partial shade, indirect light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Pale gold and yellow variegation

Needlepoint Ivy

Needlepoint ivy is a climbing cultivar with small, dark green leaves that grow closely together in clumps along the stem. The slightly darker color of new leaves creates an interesting visual texture on this vigorous grower.

Name: Needlepoint Ivy
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Small, dark green leaves with slender points

Grape Ivy

Also known as oak leaf ivy, grape ivy features dark green leaves with irregular edges, resembling small oak or grape leaves. This ivy plant makes an excellent hanging plant indoors, with long, attractive tendrils.

Name: Grape Ivy
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Dark green with irregular edges

Gold Dust English Ivy

This English ivy cultivar has small, dark green leaves with gold flecks that resemble mottled gold dust, adding a unique touch to indoor spaces. A compact plant, Gold Dust English Ivy is perfect for containers.

Name: Gold Dust English Ivy
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Dark green with gold flecks

Anne Marie English Ivy

A compact grower, Anne Marie English Ivy features small variegated leaves in a delicate grey-green color with creamy white edges. Thriving in moderate, indirect light, this ivy plant adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.

Name: Anne Marie English Ivy
Light: Moderate, indirect light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Variegated, grey-green with white edges

Asterisk Ivy

Named for its rounded starburst-shaped leaves, Asterisk Ivy features glossy leaves ranging from light to dark green with delicate veining. A compact yet vigorous grower, this ivy plant spreads out widely as it matures.

Name: Asterisk Ivy
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Glossy, starburst-shaped leaves

Atlantic Ivy Latina

Atlantic Ivy Latina is a charming ivy cultivar with star-shaped leaves and rounded edges. The dark emerald green leaves with gold-splashed central veining create a unique and eye-catching appearance in any indoor space.

Name: Atlantic Ivy Latina
Light: Low light
Mature Size: Varies
Leaves: Dark emerald green with gold-splashed veining

Warning: Toxicity

It’s essential to note that many varieties of ivy, including English ivy cultivars, contain compounds that can be toxic to people and animals if ingested. Keep these plants out of reach of pets and young children to prevent any accidental ingestion.

Indoor Ivy Care Tips

Growing ivy indoors is a fantastic option for spaces with limited natural light. While ivy plants can grow quickly, proper care and maintenance ensure they thrive in indoor environments. Follow these care tips to keep your indoor ivy plants healthy and flourishing:

Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for indoor plants to ensure proper water retention and drainage for your ivy plant.

Light

Most ivy plants thrive in low to moderate light conditions, making them perfect for indoor settings with limited sunlight. Place your ivy plant near a window with indirect sunlight for optimal growth.

Water

Water your ivy plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as ivy plants are sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Allow excess water to drain from the pot to prevent root rot.

Propagating

Ivy plants are easily propagated from cuttings, making them a fun and rewarding plant to grow indoors. Simply take a cutting with at least two nodes and place it in water or soil to encourage root growth.

By following these care tips and selecting the right ivy plant for your indoor space, you can enjoy the beauty and elegance of these versatile houseplants. Whether you choose a classic English ivy or opt for a unique variegated cultivar, ivy plants are sure to enhance the ambiance of any indoor environment. Remember to always research the specific care requirements of your chosen ivy plant to ensure it thrives in your home.

In conclusion, indoor ivy plants are a wonderful addition to any home, bringing a touch of nature and greenery to your living space. With their easy care requirements and versatility, ivy plants are perfect for both beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a traditional English ivy or a unique variegated cultivar, there is an ivy plant to suit every style and preference. By following the care tips outlined in this guide and selecting the right ivy plant for your space, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of indoor ivy plants for years to come.