How Often to Water Ivy? A Complete Guide to Watering and Fertilizing Methods
Ivy is a plant native to China, and its growth habits are similar to the Boston ivy we commonly see. Ivy has high ornamental value, and many people now grow it as a houseplant. However, during cultivation, some people experience problems caused by improper watering and fertilizing, so watering and fertilizing are very important.
How to Water Ivy (How Often to Water)
1. According to the season. During the growing season, ivy should be watered frequently, following the principle of watering when the soil is dry and not watering when it is wet. Water thoroughly, but do not let water accumulate in the pot, otherwise it will cause root rot and leaf drop. In addition, when the weather is dry, you can rinse the leaves with clean water, which both keeps the leaf surface bright and clean and increases air humidity. In winter, ivy's growth and metabolism slow down, so watering should be appropriately reduced, keeping the potting soil only slightly moist.
2. According to the pot material. Ivy pots are usually plastic pots or clay pots, and with the same soil, the two lose moisture at different rates. Plastic pots lose moisture more slowly, so the watering interval for ivy grown in plastic pots should be longer. Normally, ivy in a plastic pot can be watered once every 4-6 days, while in a clay pot it should be watered once every 2-4 days.
3. According to the growth condition. Whether there is enough water is best shown by ivy's growth. One to two days after watering, observe the plant's growth; if the leaves are dark green with nothing unusual, do not water for now. If the plant wilts and yellow leaves appear, it may be due to overwatering, and it needs to be taken out of the pot promptly. You can also check the potting soil by inserting a wooden chopstick into the soil to see whether the lower layer of soil lacks water. If a lot of moist soil sticks to the chopstick, the plant does not lack water; otherwise, replenish water promptly.
How to Fertilize Ivy
For ivy, choose soil containing humus mixed with river sand to make the potting soil, and during vigorous growth, apply liquid fertilizer once every half month. In both summer and winter, ivy does not need fertilizing, and excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer should be avoided, otherwise the markings on the leaves can easily fade. When fertilizing, do not let it touch the leaves, to avoid damaging them.
What to Do If Ivy Leaves Turn Yellow
1. The temperature must be suitable. Since ivy is rather particular about temperature, then satisfy it; after all, you also covet its beauty. Keep the ambient temperature at 20-25°C, and always pay attention to ambient humidity, ventilating frequently. In winter, the temperature should be kept above 5°C, with around 10°C being best.
2. The light level must be moderate. Under suitable light, ivy's leaves will be uniform in shape and vivid in color. If the plant turns yellow because of light, cut off the severely affected leaves directly, keep the newly grown tender leaves, and give appropriate light so they slowly recover.
3. Watering must be moderate. During the growing season, water based on dry and wet conditions (that is, the potting soil must not be too wet or too dry); if there is too much water, it will cause root rot and leaf drop. Especially in winter, when the temperature is rather low, watering must be controlled in particular; just keep the potting soil slightly moist.
How to Prune Ivy
1. When pruning, do not be too reluctant to cut, but of course do not be too ruthless either. Restore the plant to its original shape, cutting it back appropriately, and stop cutting when you think it looks attractive. Ivy has a very strong ability to recover, so there is no need to worry that cutting off branches and leaves will endanger its life.
2. When pruning, first cut off dead or damaged branches, then cut off the side branches that affect the appearance. In short, ensure that the ivy looks attractive; do not cut the branches and leaves all evenly, but keep them varied and well arranged.
3. There is another method that can effectively control the plant's excessive growth, and that is pinching. In spring, pinch the ivy by removing part of the newly grown tender buds to inhibit its growth. Later pruning will then be more convenient.
Watering and fertilizing ivy differ depending on the season. Ivy should not have standing water, nor should it be watered too much; watering when it is dry is best. If ivy develops yellow leaves, you can start by examining aspects such as light and temperature to find the cause, and then solve it completely.