The Best Soils to Grow Ivy

Outdoor Growing

• Ivy plants grow best in deep, fertile soil with ample organic content. They grow well in moist soil, but good drainage is also important, so avoid excessively wet and waterlogged locations. Most types of ivy prefer neutral to mildly acidic soil, with an ideal pH around 6.0. Loam and sandy loam soils are well-suited to growing ivy, but avoid soil with large amounts of clay. If you have heavy clay soil, amend it by incorporating organic materials such as peat or sphagnum moss before growing ivy.

Indoor Growing

• Often grown as a houseplant, ivy can thrive in indoor environments as well as outdoor. The Clemson Cooperative Extension recommends a rich commercial houseplant potting mix. Drainage can become a problem, especially in large pots, so water only as necessary, and wait until the soil dries down to a depth of ½ inch before watering again. Only apply fertilizer when your ivy is actively growing, usually during spring or fall.

Considerations

• Most ivy plants grow well in full sun to partial shade, but they do not do well in deep shade. Tolerance to conditions like heat, cold, sun, pests and diseases varies among different ivy varieties, so consult with your nearest University Extension office and find your location on a hardiness zone map to help determine which plants are best suited to the conditions where you live.

Other Considerations

• Many types of ivy are not native to the United States, and their adaptability and quick growth make these plants potentially invasive. Persian, Algerian and especially English Ivy can invade natural environments and choke out native plants. The University of Tennessee makes several recommendations for native vines that may be used in place of ivy, including Virginia creeper, passionflower vine, moonseed, crossvine and trumpet creeper.