German Ivy (Senecio mikanioides) Care Indoors and Common Problems
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German Ivy (Senecio mikanioides) grows best in medium to bright indirect light, moderate warmth, average humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soils coupled with fortnightly feeding in the growing season.
Senecio mikanioides also called Cape Ivy or Parlour Ivy is one of the fast-growing, evergreen, climbing Senecio varieties and bears fleshy, glossy, lobed leaves and clusters of bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Though called an ivy, Senecio mikanioides is not a True Ivy as it is more vigorous and is less affected by warm and dry conditions than a true ivy. The German Ivy leaf lobes are fleshier and generally more pointed and the leaves have several pointed lobes.
Like for Scrambling Groundsel (Senecio angulatus), the Cape Ivy stems can be allowed to hang downwards in a hanging basket or trained up a moss pole or a trellis. They are some of the best plants for hanging baskets.
Parlour Ivy growth can be controlled by regular pinching of the growing tips to encourage a bushy growth and to prevent it from becoming unruly.
Botanical name: Senecio mikanioides
Synonym: Delairea odorata
Family: Asteraceae
Common names: German Ivy, Senecio German Ivy, Cape Ivy, Parlour Ivy
Origin
Senecio mikanioides also called Delairea odorata is native to South Africa where it grows as a vine that climbs up trees and can reach a height of 5 metres in the wild.
Flower
Senecio German Ivy produces clusters of bright yellow daisy-like flowers through out the growing season.
Invasiveness
According to Greater Wellington Pest and Weed Central, Senecio mikanioides has been found to be invasive. It is not recommended to be planted in the ground as given time, it will smoother trees. To counter this invasive nature, always destroy the underground rhizomes before discarding as they easily resprout if left on the ground.
Toxicity
German Ivy is toxic to both humans and pets as indicated by ASPCA. If ingested, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.
Where to Buy
If you would like to add Senecio German Ivy to your plant collection, they are available online on Etsy (Link to Etsy).
German Ivy Indoor Care
German Ivy flourishes in medium to bright indirect light, moderate warmth of 18-270C, average humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents potting soils coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Senecio mikanioides care also requires pruning to keep the plant neat, to reduce pest and disease infestations, to encourage a bushy, compact growth and to rejuvenate growth. Repotting is only needed every 2-3 years when the plant becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water your German Ivy thoroughly during the growing season and allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to maintain the soil moderately moist.
Decrease watering in the cold period as growth is minimal at this time but do not allow the soil to dry out completely as it can lead to wilting and leaf drop.
Make sure that the pot has a draiange hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting and death of the plant.
Light Requirements
German Ivy grows best in medium to bright indirect light (dappled light). Keep it away from direct sunlight as it can cause scorching of the leaves.
You may also grow Cape Ivy under grow lights where the natural light is insufficient. Check out these full spectrum grow lights available on Amazon.
Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the Cape Ivy receives light on all sides for uniform growth and prevent legginess.
Temperature and Humidity
Senecio German Ivy prefers average warmth of 18-270C. A room temperature that is comfortable for you is ideal for this plant. Keep it away from drafts to prevent sudden changes in temperatures which can cause sudden leaf drop.
Parlour Ivy has no need for extra humidity. Average room humidity of 50-55% is adequate for this plant. Occasionally clean the leaves under a stream of running water to get rid of dust and discourage pest infestation. Ascertain that there is good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Fertilizer
Feed your German Ivy every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to enhance growth. Withhold fertilizer in the cold season as growth is reduced at this time and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Potting Mix
The best potting mix for Senecio German Ivy is cactus and succulents mix as the plant is prone to root-rot which is prevalent in poorly drained soil. Cactus and succulents soil is loose enough and drains easily, therefore, does not get soggy.
Repotting
Repot Cape Ivy every 2-3 years during the growing period only when it becomes pot-bound. Use a pot which is 1 size larger than the current one. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting. Check out these ceramic pots with drainage holes on Amazon.
Pruning
Pruning German Ivy involves removal of yellow and dead leaves to maintain the plant neat and also discourage pest and disease infestations.
To encourage a bushy and compact growth, pinch off the growing tips. You may choose to use the tips to propagate new plants. Cutback the leggy stems with a sharp, clean pair of pruning scissors to rejuvenate growth and encourage a bushy growth.
Propagation
German Ivy (Senecio mikanioides) propagatation is best done at the beginning of the growing season from the stems. They root easily so there is no need for a rooting hormone. The stems can be rooted in 3 ways.
Read more on 3 Methods of German Ivy (Senecio mikanioides) Propagation.
German Ivy Common Problems with Remedies
German Ivy (Senecio mikanioides) problems include leggy growth, curled leaves, dropping leaves, pests and diseases among others. Read on for more on these problems,their remedies and solutions.
Leggy growth and undersized (small) leaves
Leggy growth and undersized leaves in German Ivy are caused by too little light. Move the plant to a brighter spot where it will receive medium to bright indirect light or instal a grow light if the natural light is not adequate. Check out this post on understanding light for houseplants.
Pests
Common pests in Senecio German Ivy are mealy bugs and aphids. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per manufacturer's instructions.
Diseases
Common diseases in German Ivy are leaf spot and root-rot which are prevalent in too wet conditions. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it for the diseases.
To reduce disease infestation, ensure that there is good air circulation at all times. In addition, ensure that the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to prevent soggy soil.
Brown leaves with curled edges
Brown leaves and curled edges in Parlour Ivy are caused by overwatering or too wet soil (soggy soil). Ensure the soil is free-draining and the pot has a drainage hole.
Water the plant only when the top 2 inches of soil have dried out to maintain the soil moderately moist during the growing seasn. Significantly reduce watering during the cold season to keep the soil slightly moist as growth is reduced at this time. Learn more on how to water houseplants correctly.
Drooping leaves
Drooping leaves in Cape Ivy are due to underwatering resulting in too little moisture in the soil. This means that the leaves loss more water to the air than they are getting from the soil which causes them to lose their turgidity (stiffness) and thus they droop.
Water the plant immediately it starts to droop and it should perk up. Do not allow the soil to dry out completely but only slightly before watering again.
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