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Also known as
Common Holly, Common Holly, English holly, European holly, Holly and Christmas holly
Taxonomy
Ilex aquifolium
Ilex
Aquifoliaceae
Aquifoliales

How to care for Ilex Aquifolium

How often to water your Ilex Aquifolium

every 9
Ilex Aquifolium needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.
Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Water 0.5 cups every
9

Check the growing potential in your area
A plant's growing potential is determined from its location, the time of year, and current local weather.

Select a city to check sunlight intensity

Finding light for Common Holly in your home

a window
Ilex Aquifolium love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Ilex Aquifolium does not tolerate low-light 🚫.
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Ilex Aquifolium in your home 🏡.

How to fertilize Ilex Aquifolium

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Ilex Aquifolium after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Ilex Aquifolium is generally easy to care for, though some plant parents report facing challenges with growing it. Check out the reviews down below to read more about their experiences!
Water Needs
Ilex Aquifolium prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Sunlight Needs
Ilex Aquifolium requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive 💪. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.
Toxicity
Ilex Aquifolium is not safe to consume. If you, a family member, or a pet has ingested any amount of plant material contact Poison Control, US (800) 222-1222, or your veterinarian. If you have children, cats, or dogs in the home, we suggest keeping this plant out of reach.
Soil
Ilex Aquifolium is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.
Fertilizer
Ilex Aquifolium grows very slowly and doesn’t require added fertilizer. Replacing your plant’s potting soil once a year should provide them with more than enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
Growth Pattern
Ilex Aquifolium grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.
Growing Outdoors
USDA Hardiness Zone
Ilex Aquifolium can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a-9b. Find your local hardiness zone here.
Propagation
The seeds of Ilex Aquifolium can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.
Care Summary for Ilex Aquifolium
Ilex Aquifolium
Greg recommends:

0.5 cups every 9 days

< 1ft from a window

Repot after 2x growth
Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.
