Description
- Common names:
- English Ivy, Common Ivy, Gold Child Ivy, Hiedra inglesa, Hiedra común
- Botanical name:
- Hedera helix 'Gold Child'
- Description:
- A fast-growing variegated English Ivy with light green leaves beautifully edged in golden yellow. Perfect as a trailing houseplant, in hanging baskets, or as ground cover.
Features
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Toxic to All Pets (keep out of reach)
- Rarity:
- Common Household Favorite
- Form factor:
- Trailing Vine, Climbing Liana, Variegated Leaves, Architectural
- Air Purifier:
- Very Good Air Purifier (8/10)
- Origin:
- Europe
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Hanging Basket, Living Room, Office, Bookshelf, Modern, Bohemian, Scandinavian, Minimalist, Bathroom
Care Guide
Care level:
Easy Care+
English Ivy 'Gold Child' is very forgiving and adapts well to various indoor conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It tolerates occasional neglect and bounces back quickly from minor care mistakes.
Light:
Medium / Indirect Light+
Thrives in medium to bright indirect light near an east or north-facing window to maintain its vibrant variegation. Too little light will cause the golden edges to fade to green, while direct sun can scorch the delicate leaves.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure proper drainage and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
Humidity:
Prefers High Humidity+
Prefers humidity levels above 50% and benefits from regular misting or placement on a pebble tray filled with water. In dry indoor environments, especially during winter, consider using a humidifier to prevent brown leaf tips.
Temperature:
Standard Room Temp+
Thrives in temperatures between 10-21°C / 50-70°F and tolerates cooler conditions well. Avoid placing near heating vents, air conditioners, or cold drafts which can cause leaf drop.
Hardiness zones:
Zones 5-11+
Hardy outdoors year-round in USDA Zones 5-11, making it suitable for outdoor ground cover or climbing in temperate to warm climates. In colder zones, it can be moved outdoors during summer and brought inside before the first frost.
Fertilizing:
Feed Monthly+
Feed monthly during the growing season (spring through summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding to every 6-8 weeks or stop entirely during fall and winter when growth slows.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot every 2-3 years or when roots begin growing through the drainage holes and the plant becomes pot-bound. Choose a container one size larger with excellent drainage, using a well-draining potting mix.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust and allow the plant to breathe and photosynthesize efficiently. Regular cleaning also helps you spot pests like spider mites early, which ivy can be prone to in dry conditions.
Propagation:
Easy to Propagate+
Easily propagated by taking 4-6 inch stem cuttings just below a node and placing them in water until roots develop in 2-3 weeks, then transplant to soil. You can also root cuttings directly in moist potting mix with high success rates.