Gold Heart Ivy

To keep Gold Heart Ivy's soil moist at all times, water it whenever the topsoil is dry. It is common for the hand to feel dry when it is touched but moist enough inside when examined closely. To make sure your ivy is getting enough water, mist it with a spray bottle if it has been kept in a sunny area for a long time. Use tepid or saline water for the water supply to prevent weakness of the plant. Avoid watering the plant from the top of its foliage and only water its roots to keep it healthy.

Gold Heart Ivy is a type of plant that loves bright and indirect sunlight. It is best to place the ivy in an area where the window allows for bright, but indirect sunlight. During winter, a south facing window is the best choice. During summer, it can live in an east facing window. Make sure that the plant is getting enough lighting but not too much direct sunlight, as this may burn the leaves and turn them into yellow color. While a lack of light will make the lower leaves to drop off.

Gold Heart Ivy prefers temperatures between 59 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 24 degrees Celsius). In winter, the temperature should not decrease below 54 F (12 C). An adequate temperature level is very important for the growth of this plant. Too much heat may cause diseases, and low temperatures will reduce its active growth.

To sustain vigorous Gold Heart Ivy growth, maintain its humidity level from 60-90%. When it is growing outdoors, you don't need to worry. But when grown indoors, it needs to misted regularly especially in wintertime or it should be placed near a humidifier or pebble tray for adding moisture to the air. You can also increase the humidity around the plant by wrapping the pot in a clear plastic until the foliage dries out.

Gold Heart Ivy needs loose and fertile soil to grow. The soil should be neutral in pH and should not be acidic. A recommendation for this type of soil would be a combination of 2 parts loam, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part sand. If planting outdoors, use a pre-made potting soil mix and add organic matter such as compost or aged bark or manure for fertilization.

Fertilize Gold Heart Ivy every 6-8 weeks during the active growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. Avoid fertilizers with more nitrogen as it makes the ivy to grow rapidly leaving it susceptible to disease. Pruning may be necessary to give it an overall balanced shape if you use a fertilizer with high nitrogen content. You can also opt for slow-release fertilizers which provide the nutrients to the plants over a period of time.

Gold Heart ivy is not known to be a pest-magnet, but may be still prone to pests like mites, scales, and aphids. Regular inspection is required to detect any pests. If spotted, apply insecticidal soap or oil to remove them. Insecticidal soap is a safe option as it is made from natural ingredients and does not have any toxic substances. Place the affected plant in a plastic bag with the insecticidal mixture and seal tightly. Leave the bag closed for around 2 hours and then open the bag and rinse the plant. Repeat the process for 2-3 days to ensure that it is completely pest-free.

The Gold Heart Ivy doesn't require frequent repotting and can remain in the same pot for a few years. It’s best to repot it every 2-3 years in the spring season. Before repotting, make sure you trim off the dead leaves, stems, and roots. Then place the ivy plant in a larger pot and place its roots in fresh soil mixture. Don't forget to water the plant immediately after repotting.

Pruning of Gold Heart Ivy is an important task you need to do regularly to make the plant look beautiful. To prune, start by cutting the dead leaves and stems first, then shape the plant according to your desired shape. It is best to prune in April, as this prevents over-pruning. Make sure that you use sharp and sterile pruners to perform this task to prevent infection.

Mulching is an important process for Gold Heart Ivy. Adding a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the root will help to retain the moisture and prevent weed growth. The best type of mulch to use for Gold Heart Ivy is recycled wood chips, shredded bark, or compost.

Gold Heart Ivy can be propagated through cuttings or layering. To propagate through cuttings, collect a stem cutting with a minimum of four leaves and trim off the lower two leaves. Dip the stem cutting into a rooting hormone and place it in a pot filled with potting soil. Make sure the soil is kept moist and in 4-6 weeks, the cutting should be rooted and ready for transplanting. To propagate through layering, bend a long stem of the ivy to the ground and cover the area with soil. Water the area and wait for the rooted counterparts to begin forming. Once done, the rooted sections can be cut from the mother plant and placed in new pots.

Gold Heart Ivy needs a strong support to cling on, as it can grow very long in length. You can attach this ivy to any strong structure such as trellis, wire netting, or a wall. Avoid using plastic supports, as they could damage the ivy.

Gold Heart Ivy doesn’t need a rest period, however in winter, it needs some extra care and attention. That’s why it’s best not to move the pots of ivy indoors or outdoors in winter, so that their temperature and humidity requirements can be maintained.

Gold Heart Ivy is not toxic for pets such as cats and dogs. It is safe for outdoor and indoor plants, hence people having pets won’t have to worry about their pet's health.