English Ivy: Bedroom Buddy Or Bane?

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a popular houseplant that is easy to grow and care for. It is known for its elegant appearance, with intricately shaped leaves and tendrils that can complement any home décor style. English Ivy is a versatile plant that can be grown in hanging baskets, on trellises, or in pots, making it a great choice for bedrooms. However, it is important to note that English Ivy is mildly toxic to humans and pets, so it should be kept out of their reach.

English Ivy is a low-maintenance plant

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a low-maintenance plant that is simple to grow and elegant to look at. It is a versatile, fast-growing houseplant that can be grown in hanging baskets, at the base of other houseplants, or in its own pot. Its trailing stems and pliable vines make it perfect for hanging baskets or topiaries, adding a touch of elegance to any room.

English Ivy is adaptable to different lighting conditions, but it prefers bright, indirect light or partial to full shade. It grows best near east- or west-facing windows, casting medium to strong shadows throughout the day. While it can tolerate low light, it may become weak and spindly over time. English Ivy thrives in temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and prefers moist, well-drained soil. It should be watered thoroughly every week, allowing the top two inches of soil to dry between waterings.

This plant is also known for its air-purifying qualities, removing airborne feces, mold, and toxins like benzene from the air. According to NASA's clean air study, English Ivy removed 89.8% of benzene from the air in 24 hours. It is also helpful in maintaining indoor humidity, taking in carbon monoxide and releasing fresh oxygen.

English Ivy is easy to propagate and can be grown from cuttings placed in water or moist potting mix. It requires minimal fertilisation and can adapt to different soil types, making it a true low-maintenance plant. However, it is important to note that English Ivy is toxic to humans and pets, so it should be kept out of their reach.

It improves air quality

English Ivy is a boon to respiratory health. It improves air quality by preventing pollutants from the air. According to NASA's clean air study, English Ivy helps eliminate VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) like toluene, octane, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air.

In a 2005 experiment, English Ivy removed 94% of airborne faeces and 78% of airborne mould in just 12 hours. As mould can affect our breathing, it is a great plant to have in the bedroom for a good night's sleep.

English Ivy is also one of the best plants for taking care of the respiratory health of people. It aids in better lung function and proper breathing and cures respiratory ailments. As per a study by the Department of Zoology, St. Joseph's College, the English Ivy plant relaxes your airways and helps you breathe better.

The plant is also anti-inflammatory and helps cure conditions like inflammation and arthritis. It consists of compounds like saponins and flavonoids and some traces of Polysaccharides, which have a soothing effect and help relieve mucous membranes by forming a protective film.

It is toxic to humans and pets

English Ivy is toxic to humans and pets. According to the ASPCA, it contains triterpenoid saponins, which make it mildly poisonous. Consuming the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, or even neurological disorders. If pets ingest the plant, they may experience hypersalivation.

It is important to keep English Ivy out of reach of children and animals. In the case of an emergency, there are several helplines that can be contacted, including the Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA) and the Pet Poison Helpline.

Some people may also experience skin rashes as a result of contact with the plant sap. It is recommended to wear gloves when handling English Ivy if you know that you have this reaction.

It is a versatile houseplant

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a versatile houseplant that can be grown in many different ways. Its trailing stems make it perfect for hanging baskets, shelves, or ledges, adding a touch of elegance to any room. Here are some reasons why English Ivy is a versatile houseplant:

Variety of Shapes and Colours

English Ivy offers a wide range of leaf shapes and colours to choose from. Its leaves can be variegated, featuring shades of green, silver, white, chartreuse, or gold. The leaves come in various shapes, including star-shaped, bird's foot, heart-shaped, and lobed. This variety makes it easy to find the perfect look for your home décor.

Easy to Care for and Adaptable

English Ivy is known for its low-maintenance and adaptable nature. It can tolerate a range of lighting conditions, from low to bright light, but prefers bright, indirect light or partial to full shade. It grows best near east- or west-facing windows, casting a medium to strong shadow throughout the day. English Ivy is also adaptable to different soil types and can be grown in any potting mix designed for indoor plants, as long as it drains well.

Air-Purifying and Humidifying Qualities

According to NASA's clean air study, English Ivy is excellent for improving indoor air quality. It helps eliminate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as toluene, octane, and benzene from the air. Additionally, its high transpiration rate enhances the humidity of the room, making it a great choice for congested spaces.

Temperature Regulation

English Ivy helps regulate the temperature of your home. Research by Oxford University found that it can keep homes 15% warmer during winters and 36% cooler in summers. Its insulating properties make it an effective natural thermostat.

Pest Control

English Ivy can also help with pest control. Its foliage can be dunked in a mixture of water and insecticidal soap to prevent and control common insect pests such as mealybugs, mites, aphids, whiteflies, and scales. Maintaining cooler temperatures and higher humidity can also help deter pests.

Creative Training

English Ivy can be creatively trained to grow on trellis frames or wire topiary forms, allowing you to shape it into various formal or whimsical shapes. You can even train it to grow on different shaped frames such as circles, hearts, cones, or pyramids, adding a unique and artistic touch to your space.

It has medicinal uses

English Ivy, or Hedera helix, has a wide range of medicinal uses. Firstly, it aids in better lung function and proper breathing and can cure respiratory ailments. A study by the Department of Zoology at St. Joseph's College found that the plant relaxes airways and improves breathing. The Ethanol extract of English Ivy stimulates the body's beta-2 adrenergic signalling system, which releases epinephrine, a bronchodilator that helps widen the bronchi and bronchioles.

In addition, English Ivy is anti-inflammatory and can help cure conditions like inflammation and arthritis. It consists of compounds like saponins and flavonoids and traces of Polysaccharides, which have a soothing effect and help relieve mucous membranes by forming a protective film. Applying the crushed plant to the skin can help with swelling, burns, and nerve or joint pain.

Furthermore, English Ivy can improve symptoms of allergies or asthma, which can impact sleep quality and quantity. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reported that in a 2005 experiment, English Ivy removed 94% of airborne faeces and 78% of airborne mould in just 12 hours. As mould can affect breathing, it is an excellent plant to have in the bedroom for a good night's sleep.

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