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Vine/ivy plant growing too long

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

Hi!

I have a vine/ivy plant (not sure the type) that has almost grown to the floor (see photo).

I am quite new to taking care of indoor plants (and plants of any sort for that matter).

Can I wrap it around something or weave it back and forth to have it keep growing or do I need to trim it?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Scott

Featured Answer

jentsu926

8 years ago

We can see it now. Nice plant! Maybe someone can identify this. Love the arrow-shaped leaves.

You can...

Trim it or propagate it to create more plants. You've got a lot of potential cuttings there. Some people just insert the cuttings back into the plant pot to create a bushier/fuller looking plant.

OR, if you prefer climbing/shaping:

Create a trellis out of chicken wire or other netted looking wire for it to climb up.
Insert a bamboo teepee type thing into the pot and wind the plant around it (you can also use craft wire for this) - I just use my glue gun on three straight looking sticks I find in the yard
You can buy moss poles to insert in the pot from online florist suppliers
Create molds out of wire placed over beach balls, stuffed animals, whatever shape you would like, stick it in the pot. Some wind the plant around the molds, some stick the mold over the plants. Oh, just to be clear, don't leave stuffed animals or beach balls in the pot, just create the shape. : )
Use wall hooks to guide the plant up a wall or staircase

The possibilities are endless with vining plants. They are definitely my favorite for this. Now if I could just not kill my English ivy, I'd be ok, lol.

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Comments (8)

scott_1984
Original Author
8 years ago

Seems the photo didn't upload from my phone... trying again.
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Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
8 years ago
Extremely attractive! If you are able to add a closer pic of the leaves, somebody should recognize it.
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s0301728
8 years ago
Such a wonderful looking houseplant! Sometimes I think vining plants can look very messy and ugly (yours is still luci, but they are very easy and simple to control and can still add some real punch to a specific area in a room. I though it was English Ivy at first glance, but I don't think that's right as the leaf shape and the spacing seems wrong. It could be some type of Tradescantia maybe, not sure. Either way I'd be very chuffed to have that in my living room.
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scott_1984
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks for the replies! My wife was smart and suggested I check where we bought it to see the type (http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/66804047), says Hedera Helix :)

jentsu926, good ideas with hooks and wire to guide it different directions. If I guide it upwards, will the water still make it all the way to the end? I'm worried just gravity is doing that for now. I might try to propagate it as well a bit!
MrBlubs
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Water will reach the whole plant no matter what position the vines are. Most vining plants naturally grow upwards attached to trees and other formations like rocks or the side of a house.

Vining plants are fun as you can really train them anyway you wish.
scott_1984 thanked MrBlubs
Alessandra Fissinger
6 years ago
Get those clear plastic 3M removable hook/clips. Put them on the ceiling and slip the vine in there. You could even add tiny Christmas tree lights like this shopping mall in Munich.
Debra (6a) West Ma.
6 years ago
That is one Happy Ivy! Beautiful plant, you're definitely doing something right.
0

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