Hedera colchica
Hedera colchica (Persian Ivy) Care Guide
Featured photohedera-colchica.jpgHedera colchica, sold as Persian Ivy, is a hardy evergreen Araliaceae climbing vine native to Europe and adapted to indoor culture as a trailing or climbing houseplant. Native to the Caucasus and northern Iran, this species has the largest leaves in the genus — heart-shaped, glossy, dark green, often 15 cm or more across in mature plants. Hedera prefers cooler rooms than most tropical houseplants, which makes it well suited to bright unheated rooms or porches.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of mix has dried.
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- Temperature
- 7–21 °C
- Soil
- Standard houseplant mix with added perlite for drainage.
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested. Berries and leaves contain saponins and falcarinol, causing nausea and skin dermatitis on contact. (humans) · Toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA. Causes drooling, vomiting, abdominal pain, and contact dermatitis. (pets)
- Origin
- Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, with a few species extending into the Himalayas and Japan.
- Mature size
- Trails or climbs several metres outdoors; stays under 1 m indoors.
Overview
Hedera colchica is one of about 15 species in Hedera, the only ivy genus in the family Araliaceae. Native to the Caucasus and northern Iran, this species has the largest leaves in the genus — heart-shaped, glossy, dark green, often 15 cm or more across in mature plants. The genus shows distinctive juvenile (lobed climbing) and adult (oval flowering) leaf forms.
Care Priorities
- Bright indirect light; cool rooms (10 to 18 °C) bring out the colour in variegated forms.
- Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of soil is dry.
- Average humidity is fine; mist or shower the leaves monthly to deter spider mites.
- Prune anytime to control trailing length and shape.
- Provide a moss pole or trellis if you want it to climb upward instead of trailing.
Common Problems
Crispy leaves and webbing under leaves are spider mites — the single most common Hedera pest indoors. Yellow leaves usually mean overwatering. Loss of variegation in cultivars is a low-light problem; move to a brighter spot.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Why is Persian Ivy sold less often than English Ivy?
Its larger leaves and more vigorous growth make it less suited to small pots and tabletop displays. Persian Ivy is more commonly grown as an outdoor wall climber, though large indoor specimens are striking.
Why does my ivy keep getting spider mites?
Indoor Hedera is famously prone to spider mites because the warm dry air of most homes is ideal for them. Shower the foliage every two weeks and keep the room cool to slow mite reproduction.
Is English Ivy safe for pets?
No — Hedera helix and other Hedera species are toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA. Ingestion causes vomiting and abdominal pain; contact with the sap can cause dermatitis on sensitive skin.
