Plant Care Common Holly

Common Holly

About Common Holly

Common Holly is a popular houseplant 🌿 that is isn’t challenging to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. They do best in long-lasting, direct light ☀️ and should be less than 1 foot from a window.

Common Holly likes soil that is good at retaining moisture. Your plant shouldn't need added fertilizers if you repot each time it doubles in size.

Common Holly belongs to the Ilex genus, and is native to Western and Central Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia.

⚠️ Common Holly is extremely dangerous if consumed. 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 immediately. These plants are not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Taxonomy

Ilex aquifolium
Ilex
Aquifoliaceae
Aquifoliales

Also known as

English holly, European holly, Holly and Christmas holly

How to care for Common Holly

💦 Water

How often to water your Common Holly

Water needs for Common Holly
0.5 cups
every 9

Common Holly 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.

Calculate water needs of Common Holly

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Common Holly in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Common Holly: 1ft from a window
1ft or less from
a window

Common Holly love being close to bright, sunny windows 😎.

Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Common Holly does not tolerate low-light 🚫.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Common Holly in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Common Holly

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Common Holly: repot after 2X growth

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 Common Holly after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

Common Holly 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!

How to Grow Common Holly →

Common Common Holly Problems →

Indoor Care Guide for Common Holly →

Outdoor Care Guide for Common Holly →


💦 Water Needs

Common Holly 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.

Common Holly Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Common Holly 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 🏡.

Common Holly Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Common Holly is extremely dangerous if consumed. 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 immediately. Common Holly is not recommended for homes with children, cats, or dogs.

Is Common Holly Edible? →

Common Holly Toxicity to Cats →

Common Holly Toxicity to Dogs →

Common Holly Toxicity to Humans →


🪴 Soil

Common Holly 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.

Best Pots for Common Holly →

What Are Healthy Common Holly Roots →


💩 Fertilizer

Common Holly 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

Common Holly grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

Common Holly Lifecycle →

Common Holly Size Guide →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors
🌱 Propagation

The seeds of Common Holly can be used to grow new plants! After your plant flowers, any seeds that formed can be collected and germinated in potting soil.


🍂 Yellow Leaves

Yellow leaves aren’t always a reason to panic, and can be a normal part of a plant’s life cycle. Unless brand new leaves are turning yellow or all the leaves change color at once, it’s likely just your plant shedding old leaves.

Overwatering and root rot are the most likely cause of problems in Common Holly, since they are sensitive to wet soil. The leaves may also appear to be curling or drooping. Less often, yellow leaves are caused by underwatering, nutrient deficiencies, or pests.

Replace soggy soil with fresh, dry soil and download Greg to make sure your plant never gets overwatered again!


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Common Holly

Common Holly

Common Holly


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 1ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

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

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