Hedera hibernica aka Atlantic Ivy

Taxonomy

Hedera hibernica, also known as Atlantic ivy, Boston ivy, or Irish ivy, is a climbing plant native to the Atlantic coast of Europe. It is a great choice for covering walls and fences, providing year-round evergreen coverage to hide unsightly surfaces. Ivy plants, including Hedera hibernica, are native to Eurasia and northern Africa but have been introduced to the Americas and Australia. They are skilled climbers and can grow to over 100ft/30m on buildings and trees. Interestingly, ivy wreaths were used in Ancient Rome to prevent intoxication.

Common names

Atlantic Ivy, Irish Ivy

How to care for Atlantic Ivy

Difficulty

Atlantic Ivy presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Atlantic Ivy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Atlantic Ivy loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Atlantic Ivy prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it's common for Atlantic Ivy to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Atlantic Ivy. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Atlantic Ivy is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Atlantic Ivy’s native range is Western Europe to Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia