Care & Maintenance of Ivy Topiaries

Planting

• Plant the ivy as you would normally, placing the roots within 2 inches of soil. Untangle tendrils that have become entwined. Put the frame into the soil, and surround the plant and frame until the frame stands freely. The frame must be sturdy to support the growth and shaping of the topiary. Ivy topiaries require bright indirect sunlight. Air temperatures should range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

  You can make your own topiary frame out of chicken wire, old metal coat hangers or craft wire. Bend the wire into the shape you want the plant to take; examples include hearts, clovers and geometrical shapes. Topiaries are versatile, becoming any shape that can be molded from wire.

  Wrap the tendrils around the frame with the goal being complete coverage of the frame. The topiary will look bare but will fill in as the ivy grows. Tie the tendrils to the frame with twist ties or twine until they start to wind around the frame themselves. Water and mist the plant on a weekly schedule, researching the best schedule that fits the needs of the ivy you are using.

Shaping and Training

• Planning the shape of the topiary is imperative to its training. Tendrils not conforming with the planned design need to be pruned so new growth goes in the direction desired. Shaping is easily accomplished by loosening tendrils, then either draping them over or threading them through the frame with your fingers.

  Pinch the ends of any tendrils that run into another tendril, which encourages new growth to fill in gaps and spur side shoots. When one tendril is pinched or pruned, two tendrils will shoot off of the cut, which is how new growth creates density. Watch for stray leaves or tendrils straying out from the frame, and remove these with garden shears.

Growth

• Water your topiary weekly on a schedule using a 12-inch depth as a suitable watering level. If you make a potted topiary, water until the water begins to drain from the bottom of the pot. Spray the leaves while you work on the topiary to clean off dirt. This is also a good time to trim new growth.

  Ivy topiaries benefit from a regular schedule of fertilizer as well as a topical mulching. Use a layer of sphagnum moss placed in circular patterns around the topiary base to help retain moisture for roots. Apply a mix of liquid fertilizer and water into the soil biweekly.

  Re-pot indoor plants every two years to allow continued root growth. Use a pot 2 inches larger than the current pot.

Pests and Problems

• Pest problems associated with ivy topiaries, especially English ivy, according to the University of Florida, include aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites, scale and slugs or caterpillars. Control includes various pesticides or insecticidal soaps applied to the plant directly. Contact your local university extension office for more specific information. Evidence of pest problems include spotted discoloration, cobwebs, holes and stunted growth patterns.

  Density can cause problems as the plant grows. The interior leaves loose access to oxygen and moisture as exterior leaves develop. Sunlight becomes an issue with the innermost leaves and stems as they are covered over. Trimming the outer tendrils helps eliminate these problems.

  Ivy requires evenly moistened soil. If the ivy shows signs of dryness, increase the number of waterings using a light or moderate amount of water. Adding a second or third watering during the week is an option for outdoor plants. Indoor topiaries can be submerged in water or placed in a shower for 10 minutes to regain moisture, according to the University of Vermont.