How To Make The Best DIY English Ivy Soil Mix [w/ Recipe]

March 10, 2023 Cafe Planta Team

Have you ever admired those cascading green vines of English ivy and thought about bringing some of that charm into your own home? If so, you're not alone. English ivy is a popular choice for plant lovers, thanks to its adaptability and classic beauty. But, to keep it thriving, you need the right soil mix. The good news? You can make your own DIY English ivy soil mix, tailored to suit this lovely plant's needs.

In this blog post, we'll explore how to create the best DIY soil mix for English ivy. We'll cover everything from understanding the needs of English ivy and choosing the right ingredients, to mixing it all together. So, whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting, you'll find plenty of helpful tips and tricks to ensure your English ivy grows happy and healthy.

Understanding English Ivy's Needs

Before we get our hands dirty, it’s important to understand what makes English ivy tick. Native to Europe, English ivy is a hardy plant that can adapt to various conditions, but it thrives best in well-draining soil. This is because it naturally grows in woodland areas, where the soil is loose, airy, and rich in organic matter.

So, why is well-draining soil so important? Well, English ivy roots are susceptible to root rot if they sit in waterlogged soil for too long. Picture this: you’re at a party, and someone keeps refilling your drink before you’ve had a chance to finish the first one. It’s overwhelming, right? That's what it feels like for the roots when they’re drowning in water. By using a well-draining soil mix, you allow excess water to escape, keeping the roots happy and healthy.

Aside from drainage, English ivy also appreciates a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, around 6.0 to 7.5. This range helps the plant absorb nutrients efficiently, supporting lush growth and vibrant leaves. With this understanding, we can move on to selecting the ingredients that will make the perfect home for your English ivy.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Creating a soil mix can feel like a bit of a science experiment, but once you know what to look for, it’s really quite simple. For English ivy, you'll need three main components: a base, a drainage aid, and an organic nutrient source. Let’s break these down:

Base: This is the bulk of your mix, providing structure and support for the plant. Potting soil or coconut coir works well here. Potting soil is widely available and easy to work with, while coconut coir is more sustainable and retains moisture without becoming soggy.
Drainage Aid: To keep the soil mix light and airy, you’ll need something like perlite or pumice. These materials create pockets of air within the soil, allowing water to pass through easily.
Organic Nutrient Source: Compost or worm castings are excellent choices. They enrich the soil with nutrients and improve its overall texture. Plus, they’re a natural way to feed your plant without relying on synthetic fertilizers.

With these ingredients in mind, we can move on to crafting the perfect mix. Remember, the goal is to mimic English ivy's natural environment as closely as possible, providing room for the roots to breathe while ensuring they have all the nutrients they need.

Crafting the DIY English Ivy Soil Mix

Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, it’s time to put them together. Mixing your own soil might feel like a big task, but it's a lot like cooking. You combine the right ingredients, adjust the proportions to taste, and voila – you’ve got something great!

DIY Soil Mix Recipe


- 2 parts potting soil or coconut coir
- 1 part perlite or pumice
- 1 part compost or worm castings

To mix, start by adding the potting soil or coconut coir to a large container. Next, add in the perlite or pumice, followed by the compost or worm castings. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the components are evenly distributed throughout.

If you're feeling a bit like a mad scientist, don’t worry. Adjusting the proportions can be a matter of personal preference and the specific needs of your plant. For example, if your home tends to be humid, you might want to add a bit more perlite for extra drainage. That said, the recipe above is a solid starting point for most conditions.

Testing Your Soil Mix

Once you’ve mixed your soil, it’s important to test it before transferring your English ivy. This step ensures that the mix drains well and holds just the right amount of moisture. Here’s a simple way to test your soil:

Take a handful of the soil mix and squeeze it. If water drips out, it's too wet, and you should add more perlite or pumice.
If the soil crumbles and doesn't hold together at all, it's too dry, and you'll need to add a bit more potting soil or coconut coir.
Ideally, the soil should hold together loosely without releasing water when squeezed.

Testing helps ensure that the soil mix is just right for your English ivy, providing the right balance of moisture retention and drainage. Plus, it gives you a chance to feel the texture and adjust as needed.

Potting Your English Ivy

With your soil mix ready, it’s time to pot your English ivy. This process is pretty straightforward, but there are a few tips to keep in mind for the best results.

Choose the Right Pot: Make sure your pot has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. This is crucial for preventing root rot.
Fill the Pot: Add a layer of your DIY soil mix to the bottom of the pot. This creates a base for the plant to sit on.
Position the Plant: Place your English ivy in the pot, ensuring the roots are spread out and not bunched up.
Fill Around the Plant: Add more soil mix around the plant, gently pressing it down to eliminate air pockets. Be careful not to compact the soil too much, as this can hinder drainage.
Water Thoroughly: Once potted, water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil and remove any remaining air pockets.

Potting your English ivy in the right soil mix sets the stage for healthy growth. Before you know it, you’ll have a vibrant plant ready to grace your home with its trailing vines.

Maintaining Your English Ivy

Creating the perfect soil mix is just one part of keeping your English ivy happy. Regular maintenance is key to ensuring your plant thrives. Here are some tips to keep your ivy looking its best:

Watering: English ivy prefers to be kept moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In hotter months, you may need to water more frequently.
Light: While English ivy can tolerate low light, it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a window with filtered light is ideal.
Humidity: If the air in your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to boost humidity.
Pruning: Regularly trim your ivy to encourage bushier growth and remove any yellowing or damaged leaves.

Taking the time to care for your English ivy ensures it remains a beautiful and healthy part of your indoor garden. With the right care, your ivy can grow for many years, providing a touch of nature to your space.

Dealing with Common Issues

Even with the best care, English ivy can encounter a few problems. Here’s how to address some common issues:

Pest Problems

English ivy is prone to pests like spider mites and aphids. If you notice tiny bugs or webbing, it's time to take action. A simple solution is to rinse the plant with water to knock off the pests. For a more persistent infestation, consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Yellowing Leaves

If your ivy's leaves are turning yellow, it might be a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. If the soil is always wet, consider repotting with fresh, well-draining soil.

Slow Growth

If your ivy seems to be growing slowly, it might not be getting enough light. Try moving it to a brighter location and see if that helps. Additionally, make sure your soil mix is providing enough nutrients by incorporating compost or worm castings.

By keeping an eye out for these issues, you can quickly address them and keep your English ivy thriving.

Customizing Your Soil Mix

One of the great things about making your own soil mix is the ability to customize it to your plant's specific needs. Here are some ways you can tweak the mix for different conditions:

For More Drainage: If your home is particularly humid, add extra perlite or pumice to increase drainage.
For More Retention: In dry climates, include more coconut coir or potting soil to retain moisture better.
For Extra Nutrients: Add a bit more compost or worm castings if you notice your plant needs a nutrient boost.

Adjusting your soil mix is a bit like fine-tuning a recipe. You can experiment and see what works best for your specific environment and plant. With a bit of trial and error, you'll find the perfect balance that keeps your English ivy happy.

Repotting Your English Ivy

As your English ivy grows, it will eventually need a new pot. Repotting is an opportunity to refresh the soil and give the roots more space. Here’s how you can do it:

Select a New Pot: Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one. Ensure it has drainage holes.
Prepare the Soil: Mix a fresh batch of your DIY soil mix to provide a healthy environment for the plant.
Remove the Plant: Gently remove the ivy from its current pot, being careful not to damage the roots.
Inspect the Roots: Check for any signs of root rot or overcrowding. Trim away any unhealthy roots.
Repot the Plant: Place the ivy in the new pot and fill with soil mix, ensuring the plant sits at the same depth as before.
Water and Settle: Water the plant thoroughly to help the soil settle and eliminate air pockets.

Repotting gives your English ivy a fresh start, encouraging healthy growth and keeping it vibrant for years to come.

Final Thoughts

Creating the best DIY soil mix for your English ivy is a rewarding process that helps your plant thrive. By understanding its needs, choosing the right ingredients, and maintaining proper care, you can enjoy a healthy and beautiful ivy in your home.

At Cafe Planta, we're passionate about helping you care for your plants. Whether you're looking for new houseplants, plant care accessories, or just some friendly advice, we're here to help. Feel free to reach out to us via email or connect with us on Instagram. We believe that plants have the power to connect us with nature and each other, and we're excited to be part of your plant journey.

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