The English Ivies are a well-known decorative plant, remarkable for its ability to trail from hanging baskets, and in the more vigorous varieties, the ability to cling to walls.  Though popular and useful, ivies tend to suffer from hot, dry air in many homes.

Light

Ivies prefer bright conditions in winter, and in the summer, bright sunlight is to be avoided.

Water

Keep the compost moist in the summer by regular watering.  In the winter, water sparingly, but never let the soil dry out.

Temperature

The best conditions for ivies are cool but frost-free areas.  Ideally, the room should be unheated in winter, but stay above 50 degrees.  Night temperatures above 60 degrees can lead to possible problems.

Humidity

Mist the leaves frequently in summer, especially if the room is warm and dry.  Mist the leaves in winter if the room is heated.  Wash leaves, top and underneath (though not in the evening when temperatures may be cool) occasionally to prevent dust buildup on foliage, which can lead to spider mite infestation.

Possible Problems

Leaf Edges Brown and Dry/Bare Spindly Growth

The plant is being kept too warm.  Look for spider mites, cut back bare stems, and move the plant to a cooler site.

Variegated Leaves All Green

This is caused by too little light.  Variegated types revert to all-green habit in shady conditions.  Another possibility is the need for repotting to a larger pot, which should be done in spring every 2 years.

Leaves Undersized/Bare Spindly Growth

The cause of this is also too little light, although it is natural for mature leaves at the stem base to drop with age.  Cut back the bare stems to promote regrowth.

Leaf Tips Brown and Dry/Stunted Growth

In this case, the air is too dry.  Look for spider mites.  Remove the dead growth and mist the leaves regularly.