Before we dig in, let us first try understanding what Ivy plants are?
Typically, one can define Ivy plants as a group of leafy plants that grow as vines climbing up structures or as creeping plants that tend to cover the ground. They have rapid growth, and they can very well adjust to the indoor environment and the outdoors.
There are many types of ivy plants. There are ones that climb up the walls, there are trellises, cover arbors, or summarize they can fit in various possible environments provided to them. If one chooses to plant them indoors, ivies can provide lush green trailing foliage in any room. So, they are widely used as a part of home décor as well.
There are English ivy, Algerian ivy, an Irish ivy plant, Japanese ivy vine, Himalayan ivy, and Persian, the most popular outdoor different types of ivy plants ivy. Popular indoor ivy varieties include Duck foot, Buttercup, Shamrock, and Manda’s Crested ivy.
Among these types of ivy plants that grow in the outdoor environment, such as the English ivy, Persian ivy, or Irish, can grow well in many climatic conditions. These types of ivy plants also grow well in pots indoors if one is looking for less hassle to deal with.
Following this article, we will learn about the many different types of ivy plants and how one can take care of them.
Ivy Identification:
The most identifying feature of different types of ivy plants is the presence of a variety of leaves. On a very general basis, ivies have lobed leaves that grow alternately along with climbing or trailing vines. The size, shape, and color of the leaves depend on the variety of the ivy plant.
The ivy plant’s botanical genus is called Hedera, which tends to produce evergreen leaves with rapid growth. Ivies are native to many countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia. And due to this fact, many types of ivy plants take their name from their native country.
Here are some of the best types of ivy plants to grow indoors or outdoors.
Types of Ivy: Different Types of Ivy Plants for Indoors and Outdoors (With Pictures)
1. English Ivy Plant
The English ivy or known as Hedera helix (botanical name) and referred to as European Ivy, is that type of ivy plant that produces flowers that tend to grow significantly during summer. It very popular among the countries like Europe and other western countries as well.
It is mostly unintentionally grown in the waste and hollow spaces among the other plants. It can grow up to 4″ (10 cm) long, and since it is adaptable to extreme conditions, it is quickly grown and is self-nurtured. These types of ivies are prevalent among the ornamental department, and it also tends to grow in diffuse light so that, making
Since it is a flowering plant, it is an excellent plant for bees and butterflies that look for pollination because most of the plants have already stopped flowering during this period.
2. Gold child ivy (variety of English ivy)
It is that variety of the ivy plant that has a typical heart-shaped base. Though it is dark green with the low preset color at the edges, it does tend tends
In comparison, the leaves are typically smaller than the regular size of a Hedera helix. This type of ivy is generally picked up as an excellent houseplant ivy since the edges bring out the ornamental look.
It can grow on grounds, on walls, and in pots and baskets since it is a creeper so that it can be mold into the shape of one’s choice.
3. Ivalace ivy
Ivalace is another type of ivy that falls under the category of English ivy or Hedera helix. This type of ivy is of a different kind since apart from it being a climber, it is distinguished from another type of ivy varieties due to its curly and shiny green leaves that look like a cup. Due to this fact, the ivalace ivy is a good houseplant because of its ornamental look, and it is a comfortable and versatile plant to look after. It does not require too much attention; hence it is hassle-free as well.
4. Needlepoint ivy
The Needlepoint ivy, another type of English ivy or Hedera helixas its botanical name suggests, has the structure of needly or pointy leaves, which serves as a separating characteristic.
The most notable feature about this plant is its ornamental looks, which gives it a fancy look and a ground cover plant that tends to protect the soil from erosion. The reason being that since it tends to cover the ground, it intact that soil to the roots, so it holds it together.
It is exceptionally is of low maintenance. It mostly requires dry soil and is also considered to be a fast-growing plant. It is advised to be kept away from dogs’ and cats’ reach since it can be toxic for them.
5. Algerian Ivy
The Algerian ivy, or called by its botanical name, Hedera algeriensis, is another type of ivy that is a climbing plant., it is also famously known as Canary Island Ivy. This plant’s prominent characteristic is the presence of large lobed leaves, which require less water and even lesser sunlight.
It is often replaced by ground grass, especially places where the ground grass has a tough time growing.
Algerian ivy is exceptionally adaptable, and it can grow in literally any soil, be it clay, sandy, and even acidic soil. It often grows unsupervised and does not need much attention. It is also suggested to maintain the moisture level since less moisture will stunt the plant’s growth.
6. Gloire de Marengo ivy
Gloire de Marengo is a variegated kind of Algerian ivy with large, heart-shaped leaves. Large leaves, which are greenish-gray in color with creamy white edges, serve as its distinctive feature.
This flamboyant-looking type of ivy is a creeper, a runner and can grow in a pot, which makes this a promising choice for decorative purposes.
7. Irish Ivy Plant
The Irish ivy or Atlantic ivy, which is also referred to as Hedera Hibernica (which is its botanical name), is a climber that attains the height of 20-30 m. Not only this, but it is also considered to give good ground cover.
The distinguishing feature of the Irish ivy is the presence of dark green glossy leaves whose bark is of green color, but as it ages, it tends to lose its color. They are fast-growing plants that need to be trimmed down now and then.
8. Japanese Ivy Vine
The Japanese ivy, which is also known by its botanical name, Parthenocissus tricuspidata, belongs to native Asian countries like Japan, Korea, and eastern China.
The large heart-shaped three leaflets can achieve 30m of height. A striking feature about Japanese ivy vine leaves is the white veins running through the dark green leaves. When it reaches the mature phase of the cycle during autumns, the leaves tend to change their color to orange-yellow, and later it sheds.
Japanese ivies are also a flowering type of ivy that produces small flowers in an umbrella shape. After the ivy flowers, round black fruits appear. Usually, Japanese ivies are not cultivated for their climbing ability or ground cover but as ornamental gardens.
9. Himalayan Ivy
Himalayan ivy is also known for its botanical name: Hedera nepalensis is also native to Asian countries like Nepal and Bhutan, even Pakistan and India.
These creepers are dark green with a hint of light-colored veins running through the framework. Each vine consists of elongated triangular leaves that can grow up to 6″ (15 cm) long. Some Himalayan ivy types produce vines with tiny leaves that can be as small as 1″ (3 cm).
This type of vines can grow up to 100 ft. (30 m) tall. However, the ivy does not provide as much cover as the other type of ivy, such as English ivy varieties or the Irish ivy.
10. Persian Ivy
Persian ivy or known by its botanical name Hedera colchica is one of the fastest-growing ivy among other types of ivy plants. This type of ivy is native to the Middle East.
Not only that, but they are also good at climbing ivy with large shiny leaves.
Due to the leaves’ shape, Persian ivy is sometimes called the “Bullock’s Heart” ivy.
The Persian ivy produces some of the largest leaves from any of the ivy varieties. The leaves can grow between 6″ to 10″ (15 – 25 cm) long and have a dark green glossy color
11. Sulphur Heart Ivy (Type of Persian Ivy)
Sulphur Heart is another type of iv which falls under the category of Persian Ivy. Sulphur Heart is also known by its botanical name that is Hedera colchica.
The most striking and prominent feature that differentiates itself from regular Persian ivies is the presence of large yellow and lime green leaves. It is often confused with winter Jasmine as well. This is a variegated ivy with lime green and bright gold flowers. Its color and white-colored flower are often picked out for outdoor decorative purposes, low maintenance.
12. Canarian Ivy:
The Canarian ivy is another type of ivy known by its botanical name, Hedera canariensis. This type of ivy is native to North Africa and the Canary Islands, hence as the name of the plant suggests.
These evergreen climbing plant that is often grown as shrubs or into bushes can attain 20-30 m of height. Since it grows faster, the large shiny green foliage provides an excellent dense cover hence providing a good ground cover.
The close ancestor related to the Canarian ivy is the Moroccan ivy or which is also known by its botanical name that is Hedera maroccana.
13. Russian ivy
The Russian ivy is also known by this botanical name Hedera pastuchovii. It is also the type of ivy that tends to provide excellent groundcover by producing deep and dense foliage. It is often grown unsupervised and hence requires less attention. It is mostly found in the woods, but it is also picked up for decorative purposes.
The characteristic feature of the Russian ivy is thin leaves that are of light green color and that often mature to have wavy edges. The Russian ivy vine grows better and stronger as a climbing vine rather than a creeping ivy on the ground.
In the summertime, it tends to produce small white flowers that grow into producing small inedible fruit.
14. Boston Ivy
The Boston ivy, which is also known by its botanical name is Parthenocissus tricuspidate, is another type of ivy which, a woody vine that on a later phase of the cycle, tends to produce flowers, so due to this feature, it is also called the Japanese Creeper or Woodbine. It is native to Asia in the countries like Korea, Japan even China.
Although the Boston ivy is commonly found on a list of popular types of ivy plants it does not belong to a right ivy family. The main reason why this type of vine is grouped with ivies is because of its climbing ability. It has large leaves that tend to provide a dense coverage from where it grows. Each leaf is a three-pointed light green leaf.
15. Swedish ivy
The Swedish ivy, known by its botanical name and is Plectranthus verticillatus, has been a popular source of house plants for many decades.
It a surprising fact that it does not belong to the family of “true” ivy vines. It is a type of flowering plant in the same family as sage and mint not related to plants in the Hedera species.
The name “Swedish Ivy” is misleading on several levels. Firstly, this type of ivy plant does not cling to walls or surfaces. Secondly, the green-leafed plant is not native to Sweden.
It is also sometimes referred to as Swedish begonia or “creeping Charlie.”
Types of Ivy Plants for Indoors:
Ivy plants have been a popular choice for decorative purposes for decades. Due to the obvious reasons like, it has been pocketing efficient as well as it is of low maintenance.
Aiding these factors, ivy plants have r beautiful features with different and brightly colored leaves, and some even have attractive flowers. Another prominent feature is that there are many options to choose from. They can grow in almost every soil type and quickly adapt to varied climatic conditions and low maintenance.
They can be quickly put indoors since they do not require much sunlight, while on the other hand can fairly grow outdoors. Flamboyant color ranges with peculiar flowering patterns never miss not impressing the audience.
Another feature is that ivies are mostly picked and commonly used because it can be grown in pots on shelves, on top of cabinets, or plant them in a basket. Some of these ivy plants are also kept in the shower to clear the air and promote positive energy.
The most popular type of ivy indoors is the Hedera helix varieties or English ivy. Here is a shortlist of some of the best types of ivy houseplants:
Duck foot: The name has been generated because the leaves are off the duck’s small foot shape. This indoor ivy plant has red stems and grows well in pots or containers.
Buttercup: The is a type of ivy with broad yellow leaves that produce small yellowish-green flowers every year, hence the plant name.
Shamrock: It is an evergreen climbing ivy that has small leaves shaped like a shamrock. The ivy produces flowers and blackberries every year hence making it a better choice.
Manda’s Crested: It is a shrub climbing ivy with dark green leaves with a wavy edge. The leaves turn into bronze color during the winter.
How to Care for Types of Indoor Ivy Houseplants
Ivies are easy to take care of with little precautions. They can grow better and much healthier.
Most importantly, that is true that they require less sunlight, but that also means that they would sufficient diffused light, keeping it directly under the sunlight should be avoided. The balance is crucial because they tend to lose their natural color if they are treated well.
When it comes to watering, the balance is required in this account as well. The plant should not be over-watered, nor should it be left dry. The pot must have a proper drainage system to allow the filtration process.
Washing the leaves enhances the health and washes away the dust; hence the leaves gain luster. The traditional rising technique is enough by putting the whole plant in the shower and rinsing the leaves. This will also provide the soil with plenty of irrigation and keep your ivy looking healthy.
Best Types of Climbing Ivy for Outdoors:
Since we have already gained enough information to know that ivies are also intentionally used in place of the ground grass when it is unable to reach its maturing phase. All varieties of outdoor ivies or vines are low-maintenance plants and tolerant of many soil conditions.
So, here are some tips to help you grow healthy ivy plant:
English ivy: It is an excellent ivy for growing in the garden because the climbing vine tends to grow faster and attain the right height, and its large leaves provide excellent coverage. The English ivies can adapt to the less sunlight-prone areas.
Irish ivy: It almost looks like English ivy but has more lustrous and glossier dark green leaves.
Algerian ivy: It is a type of climbing ivy that can tolerate some direct exposure to sunlight and grow well in most soil types.
Most ivy varieties are suitable for ground cover as they spread quickly. However, you need to make sure that they do not become too invasive. You will need to cut back your ivy every three years to keep it under control and encourage healthy growth.
If you want to prevent climbing ivy vines from becoming too invasive, plant them in containers and place them where you want them to grow. The container pots will contain the roots and prevent them from spreading.