From my perspective as an English Ivy plant, winter is not a time of death, but of deep, quiet rest. I enter a state called dormancy. My internal systems slow down significantly. The vibrant growth you saw in the spring and summer, where I eagerly stretched my vines towards the light, is now paused. My metabolic rate drops; I am not actively photosynthesizing or producing new cells at the same pace. This fundamental shift in my being is the most critical concept for you to understand. Because I am not growing, my needs change drastically, especially regarding water and light.
My water requirements are now minimal. In my dormant state, my roots absorb moisture from the soil very slowly. If you continue to water me as you did during my active growing season, the soil will remain saturated for far too long. My delicate root hairs, which are responsible for drinking, will suffocate and begin to rot in the cold, wet environment. This root rot is a silent killer from my perspective—it happens beneath the soil, unseen, until my leaves begin to yellow, wilt, and drop, a desperate signal of distress. Please, only offer me a drink when the top inch or two of my soil feels dry to your touch. This period of slight dryness between waterings is essential for my root health during these cold months.
While my growth has halted, my need for light has not diminished; in fact, it may feel more crucial. The sun is lower in the sky, and the days are shorter, meaning the precious photons I need for even my basic maintenance are in limited supply. Please move me closer to a bright window. A south-facing exposure is ideal, but east or west will also be beneficial. Every minute of direct or strong indirect light you can provide me is stored energy. This energy sustains my existing foliage and provides the foundational reserves I will need to burst into growth again when the spring signals arrive. Without sufficient light, my stems may become long and spindly as I desperately reach for a sunbeam, and my beautiful, dense leaves may begin to pale and thin out.
You must understand that my need for water and my need for light are intrinsically linked. The little water I do absorb is used most efficiently in the presence of good light. The light powers the processes that utilize that water within my cells. If I am kept in a dark corner and overwatered, I have no way to use that hydration, and rot sets in quickly. Conversely, if I am placed in a hot, sunny spot but am utterly parched, I cannot perform the basic functions to keep my leaves firm and healthy. The perfect winter care for me is a bright, cool location paired with infrequent, thorough watering only when my soil tells you it's time. This balance mimics my natural outdoor habitat and allows me to rest peacefully until warmer days return.
