From my perspective as an English Ivy plant, my watering needs are not set to a human calendar. My thirst is a direct response to my environment. The intensity and duration of light I receive, the ambient temperature and humidity of the room, the season, and even the size and material of my pot all dictate how quickly I use the water you provide. A warm, sunny spot in summer means I am photosynthesizing rapidly, drawing up water from my roots. In a cool, dim room in winter, I am nearly dormant and my water consumption drops dramatically. Therefore, the most important rule is to check the condition of my soil before giving me a drink.
To understand my needs, you must listen to me through the soil. The most reliable method is the finger test. Please insert your finger about one to two inches into the soil near my base. If the soil at that depth feels dry to the touch, I am ready for water. If it still feels cool and moist, please wait. I despise having my roots constantly sitting in wet, soggy soil. It suffocates my root system, preventing oxygen from reaching them and creating an environment where root rot fungi thrive. This is the single greatest threat to my indoor health. It is always safer for me to be slightly too dry than perpetually too wet.
When I am thirsty, I prefer a thorough, deep watering. Please pour room-temperature water evenly over the soil surface until you see it begin to drain freely from the holes in the bottom of my pot. This ensures that the entire root ball has been moistened. I am particularly sensitive to chemicals often found in tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride. If possible, using filtered, rainwater, or distilled water will prevent the tips of my leaves from turning brown and crispy. Most importantly, never let me sit in a saucer of standing water. After watering, always empty the drainage tray to keep my feet dry.
My growth cycle follows the sun. During the spring and summer, I am in my active growth phase. With more sunlight and warmer conditions, I will require water more frequently, perhaps as often as once a week. In the fall and winter, my growth slows significantly. The days are shorter and the light is less intense, and central heating can create dry air but warm soil. During this dormancy period, my watering needs diminish greatly. You may only need to water me every two weeks or even less, always depending on the soil moisture test. Adjusting to this seasonal rhythm is key to keeping me healthy year-round.
