How to Grow and Care for Ingrid Liz Ivy
Find practical advice for keeping your Ingrid Liz Ivy healthy, from creating its ideal environment to maintaining its shape and distinctive variegated leaves.
Hedera helix ‘Ingrid Liz’ is an English ivy cultivar with distinct, ornamental foliage. The plant features heart-shaped leaves that are variegated with a marble-like pattern of green and cream. Its vining nature allows it to be grown in hanging baskets where its stems can cascade or be trained to climb structures. The aggressive growth of some outdoor ivies is not a concern when ‘Ingrid Liz’ is grown as a houseplant.
Essential Care Guide
Light
This plant grows best in bright, indirect sunlight. Placing it near a window where it can receive ample light without being exposed to the harsh rays of the direct sun is ideal. If the plant is kept in conditions with insufficient light, the variegation on its leaves may fade. Too much direct sunlight can be damaging, leading to scorched leaves.
Water
The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. A reliable method is to check the top inch of the soil; if it feels dry, it is time to water. It is better to let the plant be slightly too dry than too wet, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
Soil
‘Ingrid Liz’ ivy thrives in well-draining soil. While it is adaptable, it is important to avoid heavy or compacted soils. A standard, well-aerated potting mix will provide the necessary conditions. A pot with drainage holes is also important to allow excess water to escape.
Temperature and Humidity
This ivy cultivar performs well in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It also benefits from moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 60%. In homes with dry air, especially during winter, placing the plant on a pebble tray with water can help increase local humidity.
Fertilizer
‘Ingrid Liz’ is not a heavy feeder and does not require frequent fertilization. During the growing season from spring to summer, a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer can be applied once a month. Over-fertilizing can be harmful, so follow the product’s instructions and do not exceed the recommended amount.
Pruning and Propagation
Pruning helps keep ‘Ingrid Liz’ ivy looking full and well-shaped. Trimming the plant encourages bushier growth and prevents it from becoming leggy, which occurs when stems grow long and sparse. Prune the plant by cutting back any overgrown stems and remove any dead or damaged leaves.
The cuttings taken from pruning can be used to propagate new plants. One method is to root the cuttings in water. Take a healthy stem cutting that is 4 to 6 inches long and place it in a jar of water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Roots will begin to form from the node within a few weeks.
Alternatively, you can propagate cuttings directly in soil. After taking a 4- to 6-inch cutting, remove the leaves from the lower two inches. You can dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, although this is optional. Plant the cutting about two inches deep into a pot with moist potting mix and place it in bright, indirect light.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
One common issue is the presence of spider mites. These pests thrive in warm, dry conditions and can be identified by the fine webbing they create on the undersides of leaves. To address them, increase humidity, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, or use an insecticidal soap.
Foliage problems often signal an issue with the plant’s care. Browning leaf tips can indicate low humidity. As noted in the care sections, yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering, while a loss of variegation happens when the plant is not receiving enough light.