How to Water English Ivy
Hedera helix
Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Quick Answer
Water your English Ivy every 7–10 days when the top inch of soil feels dry. Stretch to 14–20 days from late November through February as growth slows.
Soak until water runs out the drainage holes, then empty the saucer. Ivy hates sitting in water but also drops leaves fast if the rootball dries out completely.
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How Often and How Much to Water
Adjust the sliders below for your pot size, light, and setting. The numbers assume a well-draining mix with perlite and a pot or site with drainage.
Setting
Every
9days
Use
1cup
Your Watering Rhythm Across the Year
Soil dries faster in the growing season, which varies by region. Slow down watering in the off-season to avoid overwatering.
Pacific
Mountain
Midwest
Northeast
Southeast
JFMAMJJASOND
Growing season
Growing season
9days
Resting season
3–4weeks
How to Water Your English Ivy
Water the soil, not the leaves. Wet foliage in still indoor air invites spider mites and leaf spot, both common ivy problems.
1
Pour room-temperature water at the soil line, slowly enough that it soaks in instead of running off the surface.
2
Keep going until water flows out the drainage holes. That tells you the rootball is fully soaked.
3
Empty the saucer after 10 minutes so the roots aren't sitting in standing water.
4
Lift the pot before and after watering. Knowing the heavy and light weights gives you the most reliable thirst check between waterings.
Should You Water Your English Ivy Today?
Ivy doesn't bounce back from a hard drought the way a snake plant does. Leaves that drop from drying out rarely regrow on the same stem, so check the soil before you skip a day.
Hold off
Leaves feel firm and look glossy
Stems hold their leaves out and away
Top inch of soil still feels damp
Soil sits tight against the pot wall
Pot feels heavy when lifted
Ready for water
Leaves feel papery or limp
New growth at the tips is wilting first
Top inch of soil dry and crumbly
Visible gap between soil and pot wall
Pot feels almost empty
If Something Looks Off
Underwater and overwater both look like wilting and yellowing on ivy. The fix is opposite for each, so check the soil and the timeline before reacting.
Underwatered
Soil
Bone-dry and pulled away from the pot edge
Leaves
Crisp at the tips and edges with the oldest leaves dropping first
Pace
Slow decline that perks up within a day of a deep soak
Next steps
Set the pot in a basin of room-temperature water for 20 to 30 minutes so the rootball rehydrates from below
Drain fully and put it back in its usual spot out of harsh afternoon sun
Expect leaves still on the plant to firm up within 24 hours
Existing crispy edges won't reverse, but the leaves still photosynthesize from the green parts. Wait for new growth before fertilizing
Overwatered
Soil
Stays dark and damp for days with a sour smell
Stem
Soft or blackened where it meets the soil
Leaves
Yellow uniformly across the leaf with new tips browning
Pace
Sudden collapse that worsens even after you stop watering
Next steps
Stop watering and move the plant to a brighter spot with better airflow
Slip it out of the pot and trim any black mushy roots back to firm white tissue
Repot in fresh well-draining mix with extra perlite in a clean pot with drainage holes
Wait until the top 2 inches of soil are dry before the next watering
Watch for fungus gnats hovering above the soil, a near-universal sign the mix has stayed too wet too long
Got More Questions?
Can I use tap water on my ivy?
Yes. English Ivy tolerates ordinary tap water without issue.
If your tap is heavily softened with salts, leaves can develop brown edges over time. In that case switch to filtered or rainwater every few months to flush the soil.
Why are my ivy leaves turning brown and crispy?
Almost always low humidity combined with dry soil. Ivy is happiest above 40 percent humidity and pulls back fast in dry indoor air, especially over winter when heat is running.
Move it away from heat vents and run a humidifier nearby. Misting does little for ambient humidity and can encourage spider mites.
Should I bottom-water or top-water?
Top-watering is fine and faster. Bottom-watering once a month is a good way to flush salts from the mix if you use tap water year-round.
Whatever you do, never leave the pot sitting in a saucer of water for more than 30 minutes.
How long can I leave my ivy without water for vacation?
About 10 to 14 days for an established plant in a 6 inch pot, longer in a larger pot.
Deep-water before you leave, move it out of direct sun to slow water loss, and group it with other plants to raise the humidity around the leaves.
Can I grow English Ivy in a self-watering pot?
It can work but it's risky. Ivy roots want a real dry-down between waterings, and the constant moisture from a reservoir often leads to root rot.
If you want to use one, keep the reservoir half full at most and let it run dry between refills.
Why are my variegated ivy leaves reverting to all green?
Low light. Variegated cultivars need brighter light than solid green ivy to maintain the white or yellow patches.
Move it closer to a window with bright indirect light. This is a light fix, not a watering one.
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About This Article
Kiersten Rankel M.S.
Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist
Editorial Process
Watering guidance verified against Hedera helix growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.
33,239+ Greg users growing this plant
USDA hardiness zones 4a–9b