IVY

Pine trees, holly plants, mistletoe and poinsettia flowers all represent Christmas in one way or another, but other plants carry meaning for this winter holiday as well.

The Ivy plant, while not as widely given as the others, still finds its way into Christmas decorations. Ivy plants symbolize resurrection and eternal life, which explains why Christians brought it into this religious holiday. Its clingy qualities signify true love, faithfulness and warmth.

Certain ivy plants cover fences and outside walls. Ivy plants, such as the Persian Ivy (Hedera Colchica) make great ground cover because of their quick growing and sprawling capabilities. Irish ivy (Hedera Hibernica) is one of the fastest growing ivies. This plant grows best outdoors since it is a rampant climber.

A popular plant, English Ivy (Hedera Helix), grows well in low light and tolerates minimum heat. This kind of ivy works great as potted or hanging basket plants. Flowering ivy, or Senecio Macroglossus, is often mistaken for ivy because of its leaves. This plant produces small daisy like flowers and belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family.

One thing to note about ivy plants, they are evasive and will take over any area. Plant them away from gardens and any other place where their presence will not be welcomed. Ivy chokes out other plants, which is why some forest parks continue to remove it from their wilderness.

Ivy house plants thrive well on fluorescent lights if little natural light is available. Avoid southern or western sun exposure since it can quickly dry out certain types of ivy plants. During the summer, hanging ivy plants in the shade keeps them from over drying and burning in the hot sun.

Potted ivy plants dislike wet and soaked roots. Water them until the soil feels wet and then leave them. Wait until the soil is almost dry to water them again and repeat the process. Over, or under watering will cause them to wilt and die.

Botanical and gardening books give information on ivy plants and how to care for them. Also search for articles online with ivy plant pictures of the many varieties that exist.

Nurseries, both online and local, sell ivy plants at wholesale, or below wholesale prices towards the end of the selling season. Find articles online or in gardening magazines with instructions on how best to grow an ivy plant from seeds and keep it for years to come.