Common ivy is an evergreen climbing plant that grows on both flat places and vertical structures. When young, it produces leaves with 3-5 lobes, which widen as the ivy grows adult. The plant reaches maturity once it manages to develop in height. If you use it on a horizontal surface, it won't ripen.
Steps
Step 1. Choose the right place to plant the ivy
- This plant prefers partial sunlight or dim light, but also grows where shade prevails. If it is planted in an area that is fully exposed to the sun during the hottest periods of the day, a screen must be created to protect it during the first 4-6 months of life.
- Ivy is an invasive plant, so choose an area that has plenty of room to grow so it doesn't interfere with other plants.
- Be absolutely sure you want to plant it, because, since it is invasive, in many areas it is considered a weed and, often, it could be banned. Read the "Warnings" at the bottom of the article.
Step 2. Check the soil pH before planting
Ivy grows best if the soil has a pH around 7.
Step 3. Adjust the pH of the soil if necessary
Add hydrated lime to increase alkalinity or sulfur to make the soil more acidic. Follow the directions on the package when adjusting the pH, then run another test to check the new level.
Step 4. Work the earth to a depth of 25-30 cm; add some organic compost if needed
Ivy grows best in fertile, well-drained soils.
Step 5. Dig a hole 10-15cm deep
It must be slightly wider than the base of the root.
Step 6. Remove some of the leaves from the bottom of the plant
It serves to stimulate the growth of ivy and its roots.
Step 7. Root into the hole, leaving the base of the stem at ground level
Fill the hole with dirt.
Step 8. Water the ivy well after planting so it can take root
Step 9. Spread 5-7cm of mulch around the plant
Mulch helps plants retain moisture and prevents weeds from growing.
Advice
- If you plan to grow multiple ivy plants to cover the soil, separate them 10-15cm apart. Over time they will grow until they completely cover the surface.
- It is easy to propagate ivy by cuttings. Cut a 10-15 cm long piece from a growing shoot at the end of a branch. Place the cutting in water near a window exposed to sunlight, and plant it once roots form.
Warnings
- If it grows tall, the ivy reaches sexual maturity and begins to spread when it reaches the top of the structure it has climbed on. Once adult, new shoots will sprout from the ground at the base of the root.
- In some countries the cultivation of ivy is not allowed.
- Although the roots do not grow on masonry buildings, if you allow the plant to develop on a wooden construction, it risks increasing its humidity level, causing it to rot.
- Common ivy is incredibly invasive and difficult to get rid of. It destroys all the plants, trees and buildings it encounters along its path. There is no effective way to contain it. Once it begins to ripen and bear fruit, the birds help it spread quickly.
