Ivy root system. Hedera, home care for indoor ivy. The photo shows a Hedera leaf drying due to lack of moisture.

The same plants are avoided.

The poison of the fruit causes vomiting, nervous system disorders, and dizziness. However, most consider Heder's ivy as a decorative deciduous vine.

Hedera is often used in vertical gardening.

She decorates houses and gardens, climbing fences, columns, gazebos, and room partitions. Without support Hedera flower becomes hanging, that is, hanging freely from wall planters.

Description and features of Hedera

Hedera - plant family Araliaceae. There are more than 70 genera in it. All from the tropics and subtropics. Hedera, in particular, is imported from Africa, Europe and southern Asia. There, in natural conditions, the vine stretches 80 meters.

When grown in rooms, Hedera branches grow up to 6-15 meters. This makes it possible to form similarities from thin and flexible shoots, running along a vertical base. Sometimes, ivy wraps around wire figures in the form of hearts, geometric shapes, and animals.

The appearance of ivy exactly describes its name. The Celtic word hedea translates to "cord". The shoots really resemble long ropes and threads. At least the braids of the whip.

Moving upward, Hedera is attached to a vertical support with additional roots. Disc-like extensions form at their ends. They resemble suction cups and act similarly.

Ivy leaves are what it is for Hedera landing. The main decorative element of a vine. The shape of the green plates is considered one of the prototypes of the heart. The hypothesis correlates with the beliefs of the ancient Greeks. They viewed ivy as a symbol of unbridled fun and love.

Hedera leaves are located on petioles. They alternately move away from the trunk. The leaves on the petioles are leathery, dense, shiny. In natural ivies they are usually dark green.

In the photo Hedera with berries

Therefore, the plant is considered shade-tolerant. However, among the selection varieties there are variegated ones with an abundance of white spots. These people need bright light. Otherwise, the greenery loses its characteristic color, and with it its decorative effect.

It is interesting that on vines that are not capable of bearing fruit, the leaves are 3 or 5 lobed. On flowering branches, the green plates are ovoid or heart-shaped, without pointed edges.

buds Hedera homemade gives inconspicuous, small, white-green color. They are collected in inflorescences-umbrellas, and those, in turn, in brushes. Berries form at their ends. At first they are green. When ripe, the fruits turn black or blue. Round seeds are visible through the shell of the berries. There are 3-5 of them in one fruit.

With berries Hedera in the photo appears, as a rule, only in the natural environment. In Russian gardens, ivy does not have time to form fruits, since they appear almost 9 months after flowering.

The latter starts at the end of August – beginning of September. The berries ripen by May. It is clear that such a development schedule is acceptable only for the tropics. In Russia, the fruits of Hedera can only be seen indoors. But ivy rarely blooms in them. The minimum age for fruiting is 10-12 years.

Ivy shoots are harvested as medicinal raw materials during the flowering period. Greens are usually dried, chopped and brewed. Only tinctures are made from fresh shoots. In Germany and France, ivy is a component of a number of official medicines. In Russia, Hedera is used only in folklore.

In the photo Hedera variegated

The biologically active substances in ivy greens are triterpene saponins. Many of them are derivatives of oleanolic acid. In Heder, 50 species of saponins were counted.

The substances can lower blood cholesterol. Therefore, ivy is suitable as an anti-atherosclerosis agent. Also, saponins can weaken and serve as diuretics.

Reproduction and planting of Hedera

Reproduction of Hedera requires cuttings. These are sections of branches with 2-4 internodes. Usually, 8 centimeters of stem is enough. Cuttings separated from ivy in the summer take root better.

To avoid cutting off the vine, take the tops of its shoots. They remain from pinching, which stimulates branching of the bush. The length of the shoots decreases slightly.

Hedera cuttings give roots in plain water. You just need to defend it. You can add a drop of growth stimulator. With the appearance of roots, the shoot is moved to a pot with soil made of turf, humus and sand. The components are mixed in equal proportions. You can add and.

Hedera at home Several cuttings are planted in one pot. This forms a lush bush. Otherwise, the vine looks like a lonely lash, the same cord that is hinted at in the name.

The photo shows Hedera seeds

Sometimes, ivy cuttings are obtained immediately with roots. To do this, take a 10-centimeter section of the vine and place it horizontally in the substrate, sprinkling it so that the leaves remain on the surface.

Hedera's aerial sucker roots quickly transform into underground ones. All that remains is to dig up the branch, divide it into cuttings with one leaf and plant them in pots.

In the absence of a plant from which cuttings can be taken, flower growers buy ivy or its seeds. The price of the latter is 50-150 rubles per package with 1 gram of grains.

Their germination rate is average, but a bag is enough for one lush bush. In the store they ask for 300-300 rubles for such a copy. The average price of small ivy without crown formation is 500-900 rubles.

Caring for Hedera

Hedera at home can be picky. In particular, the vine does not like to be moved. Due to frequent rearrangements, Hedera sheds its leaves and... They also do not like drafts, direct rays of the sun, or excessive dry air. In winter, ivy has to be illuminated, extending the day by 3-5 hours.

Due to shallow root system Hedera care comes down to selecting shallow but wide pots. They are needed so that the plant feels at ease, and the water is distributed correctly when watering.

The first pot for ivy is of medium size. When replanting, the volume of the pot is doubled. Small containers inhibit the vine, forcing it to take root deeper, which is not typical for it.

Hedera is replanted once a year in youth and once every 3 years in adulthood. The last age is considered to be from 3 years. It is possible to replace only the top layer of soil. Approximately 5 centimeters are removed. This temporary measure will delay the transplant by about a year.

The composition of the soil for ivy shows that the plant loves fertile soil. Therefore, in indoor conditions you cannot do without fertilizing. They take complex ones, with both organic and mineral components. Apply to the soil a couple of times a month. In winter, it can be reduced to once every 30 days.

The watering regime for Hedera in winter and summer also differs. On warm days, the earthen ball should be constantly moist. Consequently, summer watering is plentiful. A 3-centimeter layer of expanded clay at the bottom of the pot and a drainage hole in it allow you to avoid rotting of the roots.

In winter, when the room is cool, you can completely refuse watering. When the air is heated, the flower continues to be given water, but not more than once every 7-10 days. Water with a soft liquid that has been left for several days.

The picture shows views of Hedera

The water should be warm. Hedera generally loves warmth. 25 degrees in an apartment is normal for ivy. The critical minimum is 14 degrees. Beyond this threshold is a decrease in immunity and susceptibility to diseases.

Hedera needs increased air humidity. , as we see, is a lover of excess. The air in homes is often dry. You need to buy humidifiers or systematically spray the vine. By the way, she also loves bathing in the shower.

Types of Hedera

There are 15 species in the genus Hedera. In potted floriculture there are 4 common ones. The first of them is Hedera "Helix". Otherwise, the species is called “Ordinary.” It comes from Europe and “reaches” the Caucasus mountains.

The leaves of "Hilix" are 3- or 5-lobed, dark in color, but with whitish veins. All varieties of the species love soil rich in minerals. The vines especially like salt in the ground.

With them, plants bear fruit abundantly. By the way, Helix berries are large, up to a centimeter in diameter. Being poisonous to humans, the fruits feed blackbirds, willows and other birds.

Header mix photo

The second type of ivy, beloved by flower growers, is “Kenarskiy.” Otherwise it is called Hedera "Mix". Varieties of the species come from Africa and Portugal and are distinguished by large white-yellow leaves.

In contrast to their beauty is the lack of aerial roots in “Mix”. Without them, he cannot deftly climb a support. Ivy species have to be given a reliable base and helped to wrap around it.

The third type of cultivated ivy is “Colchis”. He comes from Asia. It is also found in Iran and beyond the Caucasus. There, Hedera shoots climb to heights of 30-40 meters. As we understand, “Colchis” varieties do not have problems with air suckers.

The leaves of “Colchis” ivy are whole, shaped like hearts and have a nutmeg aroma. It is the smell of walnut that encourages many gardeners to start their own homes.

The size of the leaves is also attractive. They reach a length of 25 centimeters. The main thing is to prevent the vine from blooming. Its buds, in contrast to the greenery, smell bad.

Pictured is Hedera Helix

It remains to mention Khedera “Pastukhov”. Russia is a natural environment for this ivy. Varieties of the species are also found in Azerbaijan and the Caucasus. In the domestic expanses of Hedera, “Pastukhova”, however, flourishes only in Dagestan. From there the shoots are brought to the country's flower shops.

Ivy "Pastukhov" is included in the "Red Book" of Russia. Varieties of the species are distinguished by the presence of aerial roots, but the lack of the ability to attach to rocks.

Another difference between Pastukhov is the dark green color of the leaves on top and light green on the back. It is also interesting that the green plates at the base of the shoots are round and have a solid edge. At the tops of the branches there are both dissected and rhombic leaves.

Diseases and pests of Hedera

Pests love Hedera. The liana suffers from mites, scale insects and thrips. We calculate the first ones by the cobwebs on the leaves. The presence of the latter is clear from whitish spots and sticky grease on the greenery. Thrips discolor the leaves and leave punctures on their edges. These are traces of the penetration of the proboscis of an insect drinking juices.

The surest way to get rid of insects is insecticides. Chemicals are sold in gardening and flower shops. There are means of complex action. Only the Hedera crown is processed.

The photo shows a Hedera leaf drying due to lack of moisture.

Ivy is accompanied by diseases caused by growing conditions. So, with a cramped pot, the foliage becomes smaller. It begins to dry out at the ends in insufficiently humid air, especially at elevated temperatures.

Overwatering leads to yellowing of the foliage. It loses color in low light. The second consequence of lack of sun is stretching of the stems. The leaves move away from each other. Liana ends up half naked.

It becomes clear why Hedera is not on the list for beginning gardeners. The beauty of ivy is worth the sacrifice and knowledge. If the article adds to the latter, the reading was not in vain.

Araliaceae family. Homeland: Southern Crimea, Southern Europe, Caucasus, North Africa.

Ivy is one of the most common plants among indoor plant lovers. It is so rich in various forms and varieties that it can satisfy the taste of even a very picky gardener. Since ivy reproduces easily and is quite common, if you wish, you could collect a whole collection of ivy, up to 30 or more different species of this wonderful plant, which, by the way, is sometimes popularly called loach, probably because of its climbing branches that cling to the support. Specimens can grow that cover not only the wall, but also the ceiling of the room with their lashes. Ivy looks for support and attaches to it with aerial roots. Therefore, it needs support: either vertical in the form of a stick or a tube with moss, or stretched cords. Ivy flowers have small heads and appear in older specimens on branches with whole leaves.

Small and variegated forms, differing in color, shape and size of leaves, are primarily suitable for cultivation. The most common type is Common ivy Hedera helix, this species has many varieties:

• varieties with almost oval and rounded leaves (Hedera helix Harald, Hedera helix scutifolia)
• star-leaved varieties (Hedera helix sagittaefolia)
• varieties with corrugated edges (Hedera helix cristata, Hedera helix Ivalace)
• varieties with smooth edges, with a pure green color (Hedera helix Annette, Hedera helix Green Ripple)
• varieties with almost yellow leaves (Hedera helix Eva, Hedera helix Mona Lisa)
• varieties with spotted leaves (Hedera helix Jubilee, Hedera helix Glacier, Hedera helix Glorie de Marengo)

Ivy care

Ivy (Hedera) is a wonderful and unpretentious plant, very durable at home: it grows in shaded places, tolerates warm winters well, and is perfect for both the bedroom and the kitchen. This does not mean that it does not need to be looked after - the density of the crown and the abundance of shoots depend on the conditions of care. The more comfortable a plant is in your home, the more magnificent it looks - it can grow into a real green carpet. Periodically, once every 3-5 years, the hedera may require rejuvenation of the bush - pruning of all shoots, which, after re-rooting, are planted in one pot. In spring, you need to trim the ends of the shoots to stimulate better branching.

Temperature

Common ivy grows well in a wide range of temperatures, the optimal temperature for it is 20-26°C during the day and at night no more than 16°C - this is the temperature at which the hedera feels most comfortable. But at temperatures above 30°C, it is desirable that there is an air flow, i.e. the room or kitchen was ventilated. At temperatures below 15°C, water very carefully, since the main problem with ivy is flooding, and it occurs automatically if the plants are left watered on a cold night.

In winter, it is advisable to grow ivy in cooler conditions, at 15-16°C, minimum 12°C. But if this is not possible, the plant will not be very offended by you, especially if you protect it from the hot air of the batteries and there is enough light from the window or lamps.

Lighting

Ivy loves bright diffused light in spring and summer (eastern and northern side), and in autumn and winter in central Russia it is not afraid of a southern window with direct sunlight - the sun is too low and the days are mostly cloudy. It does not tolerate direct sun as well as heat; greenhouse greenhouse conditions depress it. Green ivy varieties can be classified as shade-tolerant, but still do not place them in a dark corner! Variegated ivies are more light-loving and may lose color in a shaded area.

Watering and air humidity

Ivy can be classified as a very drought-resistant plant; it requires watering not like, for example, Monstera or Philodendron, arrowroot or ferns, but rather like succulents - such as Crassula, Kalanchoe or forest cacti - Schlumbergera. This means that it should be watered moderately rather than heavily - after the top of the soil is dry to a depth of approximately 5-7 cm (for a medium pot).

The most dangerous time for a plant is in spring and autumn, when the heating has already been turned off or has not yet been turned on. During these periods, air humidity is very high and the soil takes a long time to dry. To ensure that care is not harmful, it is important not to overwater the ivy, periodically loosen the soil in the pot, and do not water at night, especially if the pots are on the balcony.

In winter, watering depends on the temperature in the room. If in a regular heated apartment, then water the same as in the summer. If it stands on an insulated balcony or veranda, watering is moderate and the soil should dry out completely.

Important: ivy tolerates drying out more easily than waterlogging, especially variegated varieties! If you notice that the leaves and shoots have become somewhat sluggish, some leaves droop without turning yellow or drying out - these are symptoms of flooding. Urgently remove the plant from the pot and dry it. If the plant is heavily flooded, when the leaves turn black and hang like rags, even cuttings from such shoots usually do not take root - they die.

Ivy grows well at air humidity of at least 35-40%. That is, you need to spray it in winter in frosty weather, when even the curtains at home are electrified, or in summer in dry, hot weather. At any other time, spraying is not necessary, but plants need basic hygiene - a lot of dust settles on the leaves, it will be a good idea if you rinse them once a week or two under a warm shower.

Transfer

Ivy is replanted annually if it is younger than three years old, and after a year or two the old plants are replanted, but their top layer of soil needs to be replaced every year - remove the salted, useless soil and add fresh soil. The soil is made up of a mixture of 1 part turf soil, 1 part humus, 1 part leaf soil and 1 part sand. You can use store-bought primer for flowers, universal, from trusted manufacturers, for example, Terra Vita.

What you need to do is make large holes at the bottom of the pot for water to drain. The more, the better, as in pots with store-bought plants. To prevent the soil from spilling out, place a circle of mosquito net on the bottom. 1.5-2 cm pieces of foam are used as drainage.

How and when to feed ivy

Feeding is necessary only during active growth, from March to August, every 2 weeks, but not earlier than 1.5 months after transplantation. Feed hedera with complex fertilizer for decorative foliage plants. You can use fertilizers "4 barrels", "Pokon", "Agricola", "Bona Forte" and others, which indicate that they are intended for deciduous plants (including palm trees, ficus), the composition of fertilizer for arrowroot is closer in composition, but they are quite rarely found on sale.

Ivy propagation

Ivy is propagated by cuttings, and often the plants already have aerial roots if they have been growing in high humidity for the last 2-3 months. But even if there are no aerial roots, the cuttings will still take root in water or moist vermiculite. To prevent the water in the jar with cuttings from spoiling, change it every day to fresh, preferably boiled.

• If you want to root in vermiculite, to do this, take 1 part each of vermiculite and universal peat soil, pour it into a small pot, and moisten it. Then place the pot of soil in the microwave and heat for about 2-3 minutes.
• Let the soil cool and insert the cuttings. Then place the jar along with the cuttings in a plastic bag and tie it. Open to ventilate once a day.
• When the roots grow, they will be noticeable through the glass of the jar; untie the bag, but do not remove it, let the cuttings gradually get used to lower air humidity. After the cuttings begin to grow shoots and 3-4 new leaves grow, they can be transplanted into a larger pot, in the ground, as described above.

Problems of growing ivy

The photo shows ivy leaves (Hedera helix scutiolia) in contact with the window glass on a south-facing window sill.

These are burn marks that will not disappear. A similar picture will be obtained from the contact of leaves with frosty window glass in winter.

It should be noted that ivy is not afraid of ventilation, even in the cold season, unless the wind blows directly on it from an open window. But if you have cold window sills, you should be careful with watering to prevent overcooling of the root system.

Brown spot caused by Phylosticta fungus (leaf spot).

If there are only a few affected leaves, they need to be cut off.

If the ivy is badly damaged, there are many similar spots and the black mycelium of the fungus is already noticeable, then it is better to destroy the plant.

This disease appears with excessive watering, high air humidity and poor ventilation of the room.

Ivy leaves dry out, turn brown and fall off - if the temperature in the room is too high, above 30°C, if, for example, a pot of hedera stands high on a shelf in the kitchen (the higher it is, the hotter it is).

Leaves dry even when there is a sharp lack of light, for example, you bought variegated ivy, all spring and summer it stood in a bright place, and in the fall, during rainy and cloudy weather, the illumination and the length of daylight hours sharply decreased. In this case, the plant does not die, but the leaves begin to dry out and fall off one by one.

If such leaf fall begins, first of all, check the soil in the pot - loosen it and touch it in depth; if it is dry, then before watering, do not rush to blame the dryness, perhaps the ivy simply does not have enough light - try moving it to a brighter place or turning on a lamp nearby .

Signs of ivy drying out are the loss of one or two leaves and drooping shoots in completely dry soil.

In the summer or in warm winters, a sign of a lack of light in ivy is small leaves; the leaves are sparsely located on the branches, and the shoots literally stretch towards the light source - to the window or to the lamp; loss of variegation in varieties.

For ivy, it is more important to have more humid and fresh air (daily ventilation) than frequent watering.

Ivy pests

Ivy can be attacked by any pests - scale insects, scale insects, whiteflies - but this is usually due to violations of safety rules: they were planted in unsterilized soil or purchased an infected plant.

But for reasons beyond our control, this plant can be attacked by different types of ticks. They can cause serious harm. The main signs are drying out of the leaves, the color changes from green to silver-gray; when attacked by a broad mite or cyclamen, the tops of the shoots suffer - curled or wrinkled leaves.

Read more in the section "pests"

If a tick is found on the ivy, you will have to be patient. The crown of the hedera is thick, there are a lot of leaves, you need to wash every leaf. You can fight the tick with a hot shower (ivy tolerates jets of water at a temperature of 50-55°C) - water it from all sides, or rinse it in an acaricide solution.

Simple spraying does not help much, since it is not possible to thoroughly wet the entire surface. Therefore, dilute the insecticide in a bucket of warm water, add 1 teaspoon of soap solution (green soap, liquid soap) for better adhesion, and lower the ivy into the water with the pot up, crown down.

Hold for 30 seconds, shaking slightly. Remove from the solution and leave in the bathroom. Wait a few minutes and rinse again. Rinse off with clean water! Some soil will inevitably spill out, add fresh soil.

Ivy is very popular among gardeners. It is grown in hanging pots or formed using supports. It grows quickly and purifies the air from harmful substances.

Botanical description

The indoor ivy flower is a representative of the Araliaceae family. According to various sources, the genus includes from six to 15 varieties. All of them grow mainly in mountainous areas - they use trees as supports and spread along the rocks.

Typical representatives of the genus are woody evergreen vines. They are fixed on the supports using special aerial roots that work like suction cups. As they grow, the stems thicken, become covered with bark, and turn into massive, uneven trunks.

The leaves are entire or three-five-lobed, depending on the variety. They are arranged alternately on the stem. Only mature plants over ten years old bloom. The flowers are small, yellow, with a greenish tint, collected in umbrella inflorescences. It is not possible to achieve flowering at home. The most common variety is hedera helix (common ivy).

There is a popular belief that hedera cannot be grown at home. Sometimes ivy is called “husband buster” - it is believed that the flower destroys marriages and forces a man to leave his family. But in Ancient Greece and Rome, ivy was a symbol of marital fidelity, and in the East - longevity. All signs associated with growing ivy at home are nothing more than superstitions.

Popular indoor species

Not all types of heder are common in indoor culture. Mainly three varieties are popular among gardeners.

1. Ordinary. The most common type of ivy. The stems climb along the support or spread across the soil. Aerial roots are formed in large numbers. The leaves are three- to five-lobed, leathery, with a glossy surface. The veins are slightly lighter than the main shade and stand out clearly. There are hybrid varieties that differ in leaf shape and color.
2. Canary. The variety grows the longest vines. The leaves are large, triangular, rich green. Variegated varieties with variegated leaf colors have been artificially bred.
3. Colchis. The shoots are powerful, long, and easily twine around supports. The leaves are large, up to 25 cm long, solid in shape. It is distinguished by its beautiful emerald color and musky scent of leaves.

Hedera leaves are used in folk medicine to treat atherosclerosis, liver, gastrointestinal and lung diseases. Substances contained in ivy juice have anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and bactericidal effects.

Caring for Hedera Helix and creating a favorable microclimate

Ivy grows quickly, easily adapts to apartment conditions, and is considered an unpretentious plant. The main difficulty lies in the need to shape it and the inconvenience of transplanting large adult specimens. How to organize care for indoor ivy at home in order to achieve its high decorative value? When growing vines in an apartment, they try to adhere to the following rules.

• Lighting. Ivy easily tolerates shading and does not like heat and sun. It grows fully on northern windows; the pot can be placed on the east and west sides. Variegated varieties are more demanding of light - the characteristic pattern of the variety is lost in the shade. In winter, additional lighting is provided.
• Temperature . Adapts normally to average room temperature. Temperatures above 25°C lead to lethargy and yellowing of leaves. Optimal conditions of detention are 20-23°C. Small specimens are taken out into the open air in the summer - ivy is not afraid of drafts and temperature changes. During the heating season, the hedera is placed at a distance from the radiators.
• Watering. It is a moisture-loving plant, so the hedera needs to be watered abundantly, especially in the warm season. In winter, reduce the amount of water per watering and the frequency of procedures - water only after the soil surface has dried by 2-3 cm. Use soft, settled water at room temperature. Stagnation of moisture is not allowed - this can damage the root system.
• Humidity . Large ivy leaves actively evaporate liquid. To compensate for its deficiency, hedera needs frequent spraying. When grown in conditions of high humidity, the color of the leaves becomes richer, the veins appear more clearly, branching and growth of green mass increase. Spray hedera only with soft water. Periodically wipe the leaves with a damp cloth, install air humidifiers, and place bowls of water in hot weather. Small specimens can be bathed in the shower.
• Feeding. The rapid growth of the vine requires systematic application of fertilizers. Use ready-made mineral complexes for decorative foliage plants. In the warm season, fertilizers are applied at intervals of one and a half to two weeks. In winter, it is enough to feed once a month.
• The soil . Hedera can grow in almost any soil. The optimal soil for indoor ivy is a mixture of deciduous soil, peat, turf and river sand. The use of ready-made universal mixtures is allowed.
• Transplant. Young specimens are replanted frequently - annually. As they grow, the intervals between transplants increase. Each time the volume of the pot is increased slightly. In large, mature specimens, instead of replanting, the top layer of soil is replaced annually. The roots are superficial - the pot is wide and shallow. The bottom is covered with a layer of drainage material. When transplanting, preference is given to the transshipment method.

In reviews, experienced flower growers write that ivy is a good material for creative experiments. Some people graft hedera shoots onto fatsia, which belongs to the same family. The result is an unusual, willow-like tree.

Trimming and shaping

To form a beautiful bush shape, the heder needs to be pruned periodically. The optimal time for pruning is mid-spring. Remove all bare shoots that have lost their decorative appearance. Too long lashes are shortened by a third or half. The length of all shoots after pruning should be approximately the same.

The bush is formed in the form of an ampelous plant or a climbing vine. In the first case, the hedera is planted in hanging pots, and the length of the vines is adjusted by pruning. In the second case, ropes are pulled, special supports or decorative grilles are used. When grown as a climbing vine, they immediately find the optimal, permanent place - it will not be possible to remove the plant from its supports without damage.

Reproduction methods

Indoor ivy can be propagated vegetatively and by seeds. Seed propagation is complicated by the inability to obtain planting material from one's own plant and the slow growth of seedlings. Therefore, three methods of vegetative propagation are most often used.

By shoots

An effective propagation method that allows you to get several seedlings from one shoot. Planting is carried out in the following sequence of actions.

• Choosing and preparing an escape. Choose a healthy shoot with ten leaves. On one side of the stem, along the entire length, a longitudinal cut is made. To accelerate growth, it is treated with a root formation stimulator.
• Landing. The shoot is laid horizontally, cut side down, on moistened sand. Cover the top with sand in a layer of about 2 cm.
• Care . Keep in a moderately warm place, moisten the sand from time to time, maintaining constant humidity. After a couple of weeks, young shoots appear.
• Transplant. The shoot is taken out of the sand and divided into several parts. Part of the root system and at least one leaf are left on each segment. The resulting seedlings can be planted in separate pots or planted three or four in one container.

Cuttings

Cut apical and stem cuttings about 10 cm long. Under suitable conditions, the cuttings quickly produce roots. There are two ways to root them.

1. In the ground. The base of the cuttings is dipped in a root former solution and immersed in soil consisting of sand and forest soil. Cover the top with a jar or make a polyethylene greenhouse. Maintain moderate soil moisture and temperature at 16-22°C. After signs of growth appear, the shelter is removed and the cuttings are transplanted to a permanent place.
2. In water . Boiled water is poured into a glass, an activated carbon tablet and a little of any root former are added. Sprout in a warm place, with moderate lighting. After the roots appear, they are planted in the ground.

By shoots

Reproduction by shoots is similar to rooting of a shoot. Select a healthy shoot and make a longitudinal incision. The branch is not cut off from the mother plant; it is buried in the same or another pot. Within two weeks, roots form on the stem and shoots appear. They are carefully separated and planted.

The seed method is used mainly for growing new hybrid varieties. The seeds are wrapped in cloth, dipped in a weak solution of a growth stimulator and left for two days. The swollen seeds are planted in small pots and covered with film. Before germination, maintain the temperature at 23-28°C.

Difficulties of growing

Uneven watering, low air humidity and incorrectly selected feeding regime lead to a decrease in the decorativeness of ivy. You can determine which maintenance conditions are violated by the appearance of the plant. The main growing difficulties are summarized in the table.

Table - Problems when growing hedera

Diseases and pests

Most houseplant diseases are not harmful to ivy. Occasionally you have to deal with gray rot. The development of the disease is provoked by excessive dampness and stagnation of air. At the initial stage, a fluffy gray coating appears on the leaves and stems. Immediately cut off all affected tissues and treat with fungicidal agents. If the infection is severe, the plant dies.

Pests cause more trouble. Especially often you have to deal with spider mites, scale insects, and thrips. Pests can be recognized in the initial stages by a number of signs. They are described in detail in the table.

Table - Hedera pests

Caring for a hedera flower is not difficult at all. Ivy is used for landscaping apartments and offices. Valued for its unpretentiousness and rapid growth. Due to the abundance of large leaves, it is considered a good air purifier.

Hedera (ivy) belongs to the Araliaceae family and is an evergreen climbing plant that in natural conditions can reach thirty meters in height. Today, there are about fifteen varieties of hedera ivy, growing in the subtropical zones of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America.

Since ancient times, ivy has been one of the most popular and beloved shrubs among gardeners. This is not surprising, because hedera looks equally beautiful both in hanging flower pots and in outdoor flowerpots, has a decorative appearance and is quite easy to propagate. Looks especially chic english ivy.

Common ivy is most often grown indoors, the species of which are distinguished by the variety of shapes and colors of foliage.

Hedera: description and photo

The common hedera has a climbing stem, on the underside of which there are dense brushes of aerial roots. It is with their help that the plant is attached to the support. The leaves are lobed (3 - 7 lobes), leathery, shiny, simple, arranged alternately. Their color is mainly dark green with light veins, but variegated varieties are also found.

Common ivy blooms only in natural conditions. It has small flowers of greenish-yellow color, collected in racemes, corymboses or umbellate inflorescences.

The following types of ivy are usually grown at home:

• ivy Fatshedera Lise;
• canary ivy;
• climbing ivy (common).

Fatsheder's ivy Lise is a very popular new hybrid, reaching a height of up to 5 meters and requiring staking. The Variegata variety looks very impressive with a beige border or white spots on the leaves.

Canarian ivy. This species has large leaves, in most cases variegated in color, and needs to be tied up, as it is unable to cling to support on its own. The variety Gloire de Marengo with its magnificent combination of green and cream shades on the leaves is considered especially popular.

Ivy. The plant has unusual plasticity and is able to curl around any support and cling even to small irregularities.

Popular varieties of this species:

• Little Diamond. The plant has leaves with cream-colored veins.
• Chicago Variegata. Bright green leaves decorated with a yellow-cream border.
• Annette with dark green leaves.
• Chicago. It has small bright green leaves.

Application of ivy

The healing properties of hedera have long been known to mankind, which is why ivy is still widely used in folk medicine and cosmetology. Substances contained in the wood of the plant perfectly relieve spasms, so ivy successfully used to treat acute bronchitis. And hedera leaves have expectorant, antibacterial, antitumor and antifungal properties. Gels made from wood and ivy leaves are used as an additional treatment for cellulite, obesity and purulent dermatoses. However, caution should be exercised as the fruits of the plant are very poisonous and can cause poisoning.

Is it possible to grow hedera at home?

According to old people, indoor ivy is an energy vampire that can attract all kinds of troubles and misfortunes into the house, including loneliness, so if you value your family and do not want to lose your husband, this flower should not be kept in the apartment. However, according to historical documents in Ancient Rome and Greece, ivy, on the contrary, was considered a symbol of fidelity and happiness in marriage, and in the countries of the East the plant is still a source of vital energy. Therefore, everyone chooses for themselves whether to grow ivy at home or not.

Hedera: home care

Caring for the plant is quite simple and does not require much effort, however, some rules, non-compliance with which can lead to a change in appearance and the occurrence of diseases, still exist.

Planting and replanting hedera

If you notice that the plant has stopped growing and developing, or roots have begun to crawl out of the drain hole in the pot, then it is time to replant. However, you don’t have to expect these signs, but simply replace the top layer of soil with fresh (in adult plants), young ivy replant every year, and for an older cheder - once every two years. It is recommended to use the following soil composition: sand, peat, turf, leaf and humus soil in equal proportions.

Plants must be replanted in the spring after the end of the dormant period (March-April). The container should be 2-3 cm larger in diameter than the previous pot. Before replanting, the heder should be watered generously and a layer of drainage should be placed at the bottom of the flowerpot. The transplanted plant needs to be watered and sprayed, and then placed in a permanent place.

Hedera propagation

Ivy reproduces at almost any time of the year, and cuttings quickly take root both in water and in soil. After planting in a permanent place, the plant must be pinched, which will increase the decorative qualities of the hedera. In the first year after planting, ivy must be pinched periodically to ensure good branching.

Hedera helix: diseases

When caring for ivy at home, you should strictly monitor air humidity and follow watering rules. If the room is too hot, the plant's leaves dry out, turn brown and eventually fall off. Spider mites can also cause hedera to dry out.

In addition, ivy can be affected by cyclamen mites, scale insects and aphids. All these pests appear precisely because of the lack of humidity in the room. In this case, it is necessary to urgently take measures to destroy pests, that is, treat with insecticides (karbofos, aktar, actellik, etc.).

Precautionary measures

At home, caring for the plant should be done with rubber gloves. Do not plant the bush in places accessible to children and animals, as the berries and ivy leaves are very poisonous and can cause allergic reactions and skin diseases in people with sensitive skin.

As can be seen from all that has been said, caring for indoor helix hedera is not so difficult; you just need to choose a suitable place for planting, do not forget about watering and periodically spraying. And then you will get a gorgeous plant that will decorate and enliven any room.

Most people know Hedera as indoor ivy. This is an ornamental deciduous, unpretentious plant. It is grown as an ampel crop. It grows quickly and does not require any special conditions. Suitable for beginners and busy people. Caring for hedera at home takes a minimum of time.

Belongs to the Araliaceae family. One of the most common indoor plants. It grows quickly, entwining the proposed supports. Can be formed as an ampelous plant. There are many varieties of ivy. They differ mainly in the color, size and shape of the leaves.

Hedera flowers are small, inexpressive, and do not have any special decorative value. Rarely blooms at home. Small-leaved and variegated forms are used as indoor plants. Most common hedera helix (common ivy). There are a lot of varieties. Depending on the variety, the shape of the leaves can be round, oval, or star-shaped. The edges can be smooth or corrugated. Color - green, yellow, spotted. The combination of all varieties is usually sold in stores under the general name “Hedera Helix Mix.”

Helpful information! Hedera has medicinal properties and is actively used in alternative medicine. It is credited with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties. An alcohol tincture of the fruit is used for high blood pressure, externally to remove wen and warts. Ivy remedies improve vascular tone, treat rheumatism, arthritis, burns, scabies and much more. Heder ivy, due to its large leaf mass, purifies the air in the apartment from harmful impurities and toxic substances, saturates it with oxygen.

Favorable conditions, care

Among gardeners it is considered a completely unpretentious plant. In practice we have to face some difficulties. As a houseplant, hedera is very hardy and dies extremely rarely. But it becomes truly decorative only with proper care.

Reproduction methods

Hedera is mainly propagated by cuttings. Growing from seeds is possible, but seedlings take a long time to grow - a full-fledged ornamental plant will form only after a few years.

Cuttings are cut in spring or early summer. Cuttings with aerial roots take root most easily. Aerial roots on stems appear in conditions of high humidity. You can root in soil or water. For quick rooting, add a little rooting stimulant to the water. The water is changed every day by adding a tablet of crushed activated carbon. After the roots appear, they are transplanted into the soil mixture.

When rooted in the ground, the risk of rotting of the cuttings is lower. A mixture of universal soil and vermiculite is used as a substrate. Preheat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. The soil is moistened, the cuttings are buried several centimeters. Cover the top with a jar or plastic bag. The cuttings are ventilated every day and the soil is moistened if necessary. After the roots appear, the duration of ventilation is gradually increased, then the cover is completely removed.

Transplant into a separate pot after active growth begins. It is recommended to carefully monitor young plants - do not allow the soil to become waterlogged or dry out. Keep in moderate lighting, in a warm room. Do not place it in the sun.

From personal experience! It is very convenient for rooting to use a long stem of a plant with 10-12 developed leaves. This method is more effective than rooting small sections. A shallow cut should be made along the entire stem. The stem is laid horizontally, with the cut down. It is pressed into the ground about 2 cm. The leaves should remain on the surface of the soil. Rooting conditions: warmth, high humidity, regular soil moisture. Roots will appear along the entire length of the stem in 2-3 weeks. The appearance of signs of growth indicates successful rooting. The stem can be carefully removed from the ground, cut into pieces of 2-3 leaves and planted in individual pots.

Common problems

Every plant has some kind of superstition associated with it. Is it possible to keep hedera at home? There are different signs - bad and good. Believing in them or not is a personal matter for each person. From a scientific point of view, ivy is a completely safe and even useful plant. It purifies the air and creates a favorable microclimate in the apartment.