Grow Light for Hedera Helix: English Ivy in Pots plus Baskets
A grow light for hedera helix helps when English ivy sits in a pot or basket far from a window. Ivy takes medium to bright light, so a lamp only needs to lift a dim spot into that range.
The short answer
Illinois Extension lists English ivy under high or bright light, about 300 footcandles. University of Missouri Extension notes ivy grows well in medium to bright light. Set plant tips 6 to 12 inches from the lamp. Illinois advises 14 to 16 hours of light at most, since plants need a dark period too.
How much light does English ivy need?
Illinois Extension gives four light bands. Low light is about 75 footcandles, medium 150, bright 300 plus direct sun 1,500. An east or west window gives bright light right in front. Missouri gives 500 to 1,000 footcandles from artificial light for medium light plants.
| Item | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Ivy light band | High or bright | Illinois |
| Bright light | About 300 fc | Illinois |
| Artificial, medium plants | 500 to 1,000 fc | Missouri |
| Lamp distance | 6 to 12 inches from tips | Missouri |
| Daily light | 14 to 16 hours, not more | Illinois |
Source: Illinois Extension plus University of Missouri Extension.
Which lamp suits a foliage plant like ivy?
Illinois Extension notes cool white fluorescent bulbs work well for foliage plants. Missouri sets most plant tips 6 to 12 inches from the light, since light drops fast with distance.
Why are my ivy stems long plus thin?
University of Maryland Extension notes plants in too little light grow leggy plus lean toward the light. Missouri says ivy needs constant moisture to avoid leaf drop plus grows better slightly cool indoors.
How to: step by step
- Check light where the ivy sits.
- Pick a cool white fluorescent or LED lamp.
- Set the lamp 6 to 12 inches from the tips.
- Run it 14 to 16 hours a day at most.
- Water so the soil stays evenly moist.
- Turn baskets so all sides get light.
Troubleshooting
Long bare stems: too little light. Maryland notes low light makes plants leggy.
Leaf drop: dry soil. Missouri notes ivy needs constant moisture.
Slow growth when warm: heat. Missouri notes ivy grows better slightly cool.
For lighting see grow lights for cannabis plus led light distance cannabis. Read grow light timers plus cannabis seeds. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Hedera helix (English ivy), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Lighting for indoor plants, University of Maryland Extension
- Lighting, houseplants, Illinois Extension
- Lighting indoor houseplants (G6515), University of Missouri Extension
FAQ
What kind of lamp suits English ivy?
Illinois Extension notes cool white fluorescent bulbs work well for foliage plants such as ivy. University of Missouri Extension advises setting plant tips 6 to 12 inches from the lamp.
How far should the lamp sit from ivy?
University of Missouri Extension advises setting plant tips 6 to 12 inches from the light source. It notes light intensity drops quickly as the distance from the bulbs or tubes grows.
How many hours of light does ivy need?
Illinois Extension notes 14 to 16 hours of light is sufficient. It advises against more than 16 hours since plants need a dark period too. A timer can switch the lamp off at the same hour.
Why does my ivy drop leaves?
University of Missouri Extension notes English ivy needs constant moisture to avoid leaf drop. It also notes ivy grows better in slightly cool indoor spots than in warm rooms.
Can variegated ivy grow under a lamp?
NC State Extension lists variegated cultivars such as Glacier plus Gold Child grown as houseplants. Illinois Extension lists English ivy under bright light, so a lamp can supply that band for any cultivar.
