English ivy
Hedera helix (Araliaceae)
Also called Branching Ivy, Glacier Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy, Sweetheart Ivy, California Ivy.
Cats and dogs
Toxic to cats and dogs
What makes it toxic: Triterpenoid saponins (hederagenin).
Signs to watch for: Vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, diarrhea. Foliage is more toxic than berries
Source: ASPCA entry "English Ivy", checked October 3, 2026.
Light
- Low light 3+ mol
- Medium light 6+ mol
- Bright indirect 10+ mol Best
- Direct sun 12+ mol
As a houseplant, English ivy needs bright light and cool temperatures, and Illinois lists it among plants with a high minimum light need. NC State recommends growing it indoors or in containers because it is invasive outdoors.
Direct sun: a little gentle morning sun is fine.
On our scale it grows well from about 10 mol/m²/day and holds on down to roughly 2.2 (how these numbers are set).
Care
Care level: Moderate. Water: Keep the potting mix moist.
Check regularly for spider mites.
Pet-safe plants for similar light
- Areca palm bright indirect light
- Gloxinia bright indirect light
- Mistletoe cactus (Rhipsalis) bright indirect light
- African violet bright indirect light
- Aluminum plant (Pilea cadierei) bright indirect light
- Baby rubber plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) bright indirect light
Sources
- Toxicity: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, "English Ivy"
- Light and care: Illinois Extension, "English Ivy | Houseplants"
- Light and care: Illinois Extension, "Lighting | Houseplants"
- Light and care: NC State Extension, "Hedera helix (English Ivy)"