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Ivy (Hedera)

We all have seen this Ivy, either roadside, trailing through walls and ground or at some dense area with numerous trees. Scientific name of Ivy is Hedera Helix and has 7 species under it [Hedera algeriensis, Hedera canariensis, Hedera colchica, Hedera cypria, Hedera iberica, Hedera maderensis, Hedera maroccana, Hedera nepalensis, Hedera pastuchovii, Hedera rhombea, Hedera azorica, Hedera helix, Hedera hibernica]. These Ivies look really elegant with their variety of green colored leaves. However, below we will discuss more on English Ivy (Hedera helix) and the benefits which it pursue apart from ornamenting our garden and interiors.
Picture Courtesy: https://www.pexels.com/@magda-ehlers-pexels

Benefits of English Ivies:

  • One of the great air purifier: 

    • These plants help in removing VOCs (Volatile Organic compounds) such as benzene, ethylene, formaldehyde, Carbon Monoxide, and Xylene etc which pollute the air, are harmful for breathing and our body. 

    • With this plant at home, we will be able to inhale pure air, which will again help in supplying more oxygen into our body.

    • Airborne mold and airborne faecal particles grow in moist climates and with bad odor. Their presence can damage the thing on which they are living like walls of any building and on the moist soil. There are many side effects of these mold and faecal particles which can cause various respiratory problems, frequent headache, and skin related problems too.

    • In studies, it is found that Ivies help to reduce the level of airborne mold and airborne faecal particles to 80-90 percent. 

    • Along with Dracaena reflexa, Dumb Cane, Snake plant, Pothos/ Indian money plant, Philodendron and Jade, English Ivies are also very efficient air purifier.

Picture Courtesy: https://www.pexels.com/@magda-ehlers-pexels

  • Medicinal Benefits:  

    • These English Ivies have many medicinal properties too. 

      • It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antiarthritic, antitumor, antimicrobial properties which can help in curing a handful of diseases. 

      • Though it is not safe to consume it’s leaves directly, herbalists use its parts mixed with other ingredients to cure a handful of diseases like, respiratory problems, inflammation, used as anaesthetic, arthritis, removing toxins etc. 

    • Flavonoids and triterpenoid saponins are the two important components of English ivy. In studies, it is found that triterpenoid saponins help in improving the fight against bacteria and gut related problems. Flavonoids help in removing toxins from the body, tightens skin, reduces allergies, balances enzymes to help your body function, strengthen blood vessels etc.

Note: It’s advised to not consume it’s leaves directly. Take a physicist’s or herbalist's consultation before consuming any of it’s products.
Picture courtesy: https://www.pexels.com/@lum3n-44775

  • Easy to grow: It needs exactly the same care as a Money plant. Below are some quick suggestions to maintain our Ivies

    • Fertilization: Ivies will stay healthy when they get the correct amount of nutrition at the correct time. Regularly providing any kind of compost and weed solution once in three months to these plants will help them to grow healthy. 

    • A great low light plant: These plants can grow efficiently in low light. If we place them in such a place where it’s getting sunlight for an hour or two, then also it will grow easily.

    • Watering regularly: To keep plants looking green and healthy, water is the most important part. We should always keep watering the plant, but only in one condition when the soil is drying out. We can check the soil moisture, by touching it and if the soil is sticking to our hands, then we can delay watering for the next couple of days.

    • Pruning: This process will help Ivies to plant look bushy. Cutting the stem from it’s node will result in propagating the other stem sideways. This will help in looking ivy bushy. However, these Ivies look more attractive while trailing and have long vines.

Picture courtesy: https://www.pexels.com/@mdsnmdsnmdsn

Side effects of English Ivy: 

  • The English Ivies also have developed a tendency to protect themselves from animals and climate by releasing various chemicals from it’s sap or leaves. 

  • These chemicals might be mildly harmful for our pets and for children under age 6. Direct consumption of its leaves can cause diarrhea and vomiting. 

  • To some of the people, whose skin is very sensitive, touching it’s sap or leaves can cause itching.

Keeping English ivies adds an ornamental touch to our interior. So, it is advised to keep this plant in a place where it is hard to access for children and pets. We can also hang these ivies into a hanging vase or keep them at a higher place.


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Location: Paradeep, Odisha, India

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