The genus of ivy is 15 species. But in conditions of different enclosed spaces, as a rule, only 2 evergreen vines are cultivated: usually ivy and much less often - Canary ivy.
These plants love to settle in forests, hanging over rocky places, rocks and climbing trees at great heights. They are evergreen climbing shrubs with air-absorbing roots that love to climb to considerable heights.
Many garden forms and varieties have already been received from the species of common ivy (garden ivy in a variety of forms). They differ in shape (star-shaped, cinqueforated, diamond-shaped, etc.), leaf color and size, sometimes pattern (golden, silver, yellow, creamy white or gray), bordering of leaf plates, specks on leaves. Ivy often grows small in size, but in roomy pots they reach significant sizes.
The most famous are the Brigitte view (with dark green leaves and light veins) and the Eva view (with small leaves that are covered with dark green blots, cream-bordered leaf plates and a grayish-green center).
Canary ivy flower has larger leaves than common ivy. When grown in pots, the first species most often reaches huge sizes. Among the oldest is the variety "Glory of Marengo" with whitish patches on large dark green leaves.
How to grow?
Common ivy is grown in boxes or pots. Ivy is very shade-tolerant; it is allowed to be placed in dimly lit places unsuitable for most plants. Variegated species require much more light. The same plants are grown in the open air. It is best to go outside at the end of spring, maximum at the beginning of summer. And in the autumn cold, the plants are again cleaned into the house, it is advisable to do this before turning on the heating. Thus, plants will have the opportunity to adapt in a drier environment. Common ivy may need support, because it is a climbing vine with a lignified stem. In spring and summer, liquid fertilizer should be added periodically to water.
Ivy location
Common ivy feels great both in partial shade and in the sun. It is important to remember, however, that the variegated varieties must be displayed in well-lit places - to maintain the juicy color of the leaves. But the Canary ivy prefers rich and bright lighting.
Optimum temperature
Indoor ivy can tolerate lowering of the temperature level in winter to 5-6 ° C. But at this time of the year, another problem may arise — the warmth and dryness of the room. It is advisable to maintain high humidity and a more or less cool temperature or to place the plant in an unheated room. Suitable temperature in summer is 15-18 ° C.
Watering
Ivy, in fact, is not too demanding on watering. It is regulated depending on the level of soil moisture. In summer it is recommended to water no more than 2 times / week, and in winter - only once / week.
Transplantation
Young ivy plants must be transplanted into new pots every year for the first couple of years. Later, you can limit yourself to replacing only the surface soil layer.
Breeding
The easiest and easiest way to propagate is ordinary cuttings. In spring, it is necessary to take apical cuttings up to 10 cm long and place for rooting in the ground - a substrate of sheet, humus, sod land and fine sand, with a significant predominance of peat. The temperature is kept at the same level - 15 ° C. The second method is reproduction by small layering. You need to dig in the long lashes, after making small incisions below, and fix them in the ground using iron (aluminum) U-shaped staples. And after rooting new shoots, they are separated by scissors from the mother plant.
Common ivy can easily be found in horticultural centers or flower shops: both separately and in bulk composition with other tall plants (palm, Benjamin ficus, croton).