How to Grow German Ivy
German ivy, or Delairea odorata, is a creeping vine that originates from South Africa. It resembles common ivy but has larger leaves, and the two plants are not closely related. German ivy is naturalized along the western coast of the United States and gardeners typically grow it as a houseplant. This plant is generally hardy and can become invasive in warm, humid climates.
Things You`ll Need
- Garden trowel
- Planting pot
Fill a medium planting pot with 6 inches of gardening soil. German ivy is generally indifferent to soil type and soil pH.
Remove the German ivy plant from its nursery container and plant it in the pot at the same soil level as the nursery container. Press the soil around the plant to hold it in place.
Place the pot outside in full sun for the best growth. Place the plant in a southern window when you keep it indoors. German ivy also tolerates partial shade.
Water a German ivy with 2 inches of water per week during the spring, summer and fall to ensure the soil remains moist. Reduce the watering schedule to 1 inch per week during the winter to keep the soil from drying out completely. The leaves of German ivy begin to droop when the plant does not receive enough water.
Bring German ivy indoors when the temperature drops below 50 degrees F. This plant can survive freezing temperatures, but becomes dormant in cool weather.
Propagate German ivy with a cutting. Cut a 2-inch tip from an actively growing stem and place the open end of the cutting into a new planting site. Keep the soil very moist until the cutting takes root.