Araliaceae
North African Ivy (Hedera algeriensis)
Hedera algeriensis
Give North African Ivy bright, indirect light and water once the top inch of soil dries out, roughly weekly. It appreciates moderate to high humidity and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Fast-growing and forgiving, it thrives with occasional pruning to keep growth dense and tidy.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
5° - 29°C
40% - 60%
Categories
What is North African Ivy?
North African Ivy (Hedera algeriensis) is a easy-care plant from the Araliaceae family. North African Ivy (Hedera algeriensis), also sold as Algerian Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber native to the coastal mountains of North Africa and the Canary Islands. Its large, glossy, leathery leaves and fast, self-clinging growth make it a striking backdrop for walls, trellises, and hanging b...
North African Ivy grows up to 12.0m, spread of 90cm, watering every 7 days, 5°C – 29°C, 40–60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, North African Ivy tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for North African Ivy?
TLDR: North African Ivy needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 5-29°C with 40-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water North African Ivy?
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry, about once a week during the growing season and less often in winter. Always let excess water drain away — soggy, waterlogged soil quickly causes root rot.
How Much Light Does North African Ivy Need?
Bright, indirect light keeps growth lush and compact, though this ivy tolerates partial shade well. Keep it out of direct midday sun, which can scorch its glossy leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for North African Ivy?
Use a well-draining, loamy mix rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.6 and 7.5. Mixing in perlite improves drainage and helps prevent root rot.
What Pot Should You Use for North African Ivy?
Choose a terracotta or unglazed ceramic pot with generous drainage holes; the porous material helps excess moisture evaporate and lowers the risk of root rot.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Misting
Every 7 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is North African Ivy and Where Does It Come From?
North African Ivy (Hedera algeriensis), also sold as Algerian Ivy, is a vigorous evergreen climber native to the coastal mountains of North Africa and the Canary Islands. Its large, glossy, leathery leaves and fast, self-clinging growth make it a striking backdrop for walls, trellises, and hanging baskets, or a lush trailing groundcover outdoors. A close relative of English ivy, it tolerates a wide range of light levels and rewards minimal care with dense, tropical-looking foliage year-round.
How to Propagate North African Ivy?
Stem Cutting
Use a clean, sharp blade and change water every few days if rooting in water. Bright indirect light speeds up rooting.
- 1 Cut a 4-6 inch stem section with 2-3 leaf nodes just below a node.
- 2 Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone, if using.
- 3 Place the cutting in water or moist potting mix and keep it warm and humid.
- 4 Roots typically form within 3-4 weeks; pot up once roots are 2-3 cm long.
Materials needed:
Layering
Keep the buried section consistently moist to encourage faster rooting.
- 1 Choose a healthy, flexible stem still attached to the parent plant.
- 2 Bury a section of the stem in moist soil, leaving the tip exposed.
- 3 Pin the buried section down with a small stake or stone.
- 4 Once roots form, cut the new plant free from the parent.
Materials needed:
Division
Only divide plants that are well-established and rootbound to avoid stressing a young plant.
- 1 Remove a rootbound plant from its pot.
- 2 Gently separate the root mass into sections, each with roots and stems attached.
- 3 Repot each division into fresh, well-draining soil.
- 4 Water thoroughly and keep in bright, indirect light while it re-establishes.
Materials needed:
How Big Does North African Ivy Grow?
TLDR: North African Ivy can reach up to 12.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
12.0m
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Air Purifying
Improves air quality
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect North African Ivy?
TLDR: North African Ivy is susceptible to 11 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Meaning & Symbolism
North African Ivy carries ivy's traditional symbolism of fidelity, friendship, and eternal life — its evergreen leaves and ever-climbing habit represent resilience and lasting bonds.
Fun Facts
Also known as Algerian Ivy, this species is native to both North Africa and the Canary Islands.
It climbs using aerial roots that cling to almost any surface, without needing support wires.
Mature, flowering ivy only blooms on adult growth high up in the plant — young trailing vines rarely flower at all.
Frequently asked questions
Is North African Ivy toxic to cats and dogs?
How often should I water North African Ivy?
Does North African Ivy need direct sunlight?
How do I propagate North African Ivy?
What pests and diseases affect North African Ivy?
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
