Ivy 'Manda's Crested' Hedera helix 'Manda's Crested'

Water

The English Ivy 'Manda's Crested' should be watered thoroughly until excess water drains out the bottom, then allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. Generally, this might mean watering once every 1 to 2 weeks, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions. Avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. During the growing season, you might find the need to water more frequently, especially if it's in a warmer environment. It is best to use room temperature water and provide about half a gallon for a medium-sized pot at each watering, adjusting the amount based on the size of the plant and pot.

Light

English Ivy 'Manda's Crested' thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate low light conditions. It should not be placed in direct sunlight as this can scorch the leaves. A spot near a north or east-facing window would be ideal, providing enough light without the harsh intensity of direct afternoon sun.

Temperature

English Ivy 'Manda's Crested' prefers a consistent temperature range between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit and can handle brief periods of temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal temperature for this plant is within the range of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth and health.

Pruning

Prune English Ivy 'Manda's Crested' to control its growth, remove dead or damaged foliage, and encourage a fuller, bushier appearance. The best time for pruning is in the spring or early summer. Pruning can be done every few months as needed to maintain the desired shape and size.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

English Ivy 'Manda's Crested' thrives best in a well-draining, loamy soil mix with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A good recipe would be to mix two parts peat or coir, one part perlite or sand, and one part garden soil or compost. This blend ensures adequate drainage while maintaining some moisture and providing essential nutrients.

Repotting

English Ivy 'Manda's Crested' should generally be repotted every two to three years to avoid becoming root-bound and to replenish its soil. Young, actively growing plants may benefit from annual repotting, while older, more established plants can go longer between repottings.

Humidity & Misting

English Ivy 'Manda's Crested' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 40% and 70%. Maintaining adequate humidity is especially important in dry indoor environments and can be achieved through regular misting or the use of a humidifier.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in medium light, ensure good drainage, and mist frequently.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, shelter from harsh winds, and water deeply.

• Hardiness zone

  5-11 USDA

Life cycle

English Ivy 'Manda's Crested' begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist, shaded soil to create a small seedling. The seedling grows into a juvenile vine stage, characterized by its lobed leaves and vigorous climbing or spreading habit which is crucial for finding light and space. As it matures, the plant enters the adult phase, where the leaves become unlobed, and it develops the ability to flower and produce berries in the late summer to fall, which are then dispersed by birds. Following pollination, the flowers produce seeds completing the reproductive cycle. In its climbing stage, English Ivy uses aerial roots to attach to surfaces, while in its mature phase may grow more bush-like if there is no support to climb on. Over its lifespan, which can be several decades, the ivy will continue this cycle, spreading both vegetatively through runners and clonally through new shoots, as well as through seed dispersal by birds.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for English Ivy, specifically the Hedera helix 'Manda's Crested', is through stem cuttings. This process is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Cut a 4 to 6-inch length of stem with several leaves attached using a clean, sharp knife or scissors. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to expose the nodes, where roots will sprout. The cutting can then be placed in water or a moist soil-less potting mix. If rooting in water, change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Once roots have formed, which can take several weeks, the new plant can be transferred to potting soil and cared for as a typical English Ivy plant.