Canary Island Ivy (Hedera canariensis)

Photo: Dave RichardsonCC BY 4.0via PlantoScanresized / cropped

Canary Island Ivy Plant Care

Hedera canariensis Willd.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Hedera canariensis, the Canary Island ivy, Canary ivy or Madeira ivy, is a species of ivy, native to the Canary Islands and possibly the Atlantic coast of northern Africa.

🪴Houseplants🍃Climbers & Vines
Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Bright indirect to low light

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Canary Island Ivy?

Water Canary Island Ivy every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the Canary Island Ivy Native To?

Native range6 countries

What Is the Canary Island Ivy?

Canary Island Ivy (Hedera canariensis) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Hedera genus. Canary Island Ivy is native to the Canary Islands and possibly the Atlantic coast of northern Africa. Canary Island Ivy is also known as Algerian Ivy, Tree Ivy.

Canary Island Ivy displays a trailing vine growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Canary Island Ivy produces small greenish-white blooms in umbels.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Canary Island Ivy?

Hedera canariensis requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Canary Island Ivy Need?

Canary Island Ivy thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Canary Island Ivy in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect to low light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Canary Island Ivy Prefer?

Hedera canariensis grows best at temperatures of 60–75°F. Canary Island Ivy prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Canary Island Ivy?

Well-draining potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Canary Island Ivy to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Canary Island Ivy?

Feed Canary Island Ivy every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.

Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.

Fertilizing

Every 4 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

How Do You Repot a Canary Island Ivy?

Repot every 2-3 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.

How Do You Propagate a Canary Island Ivy?

Canary Island Ivy can be propagated through stem cuttings, layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to english ivy plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Canary Island Ivy Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic (caution)

Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Canary Island Ivy?

Canary Island Ivy is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Canary Island Ivy Need?

Canary Island Ivy grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Canary Island Ivy is native to the Canary Islands and possibly the Atlantic coast of northern Africa. In cooler regions, grow Canary Island Ivy as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Canary Island Ivy is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Hedera genus — compare its care with other Hedera species on PlantoScan.

Hedera is part of the Araliaceae plant family — browse all Araliaceae genera and species.

Canary Island Ivy copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.

More Hedera Species

Other Hedera species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Hedera canariensis Willd., family Araliaceae (first published in Mag. Neuesten Entdeck. Gesammten Naturk. Ges. Naturf. Freunde Berlin 2: 171 (1808)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Canary Island Ivy is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Photo: Dave Richardson, CC BY 4.0, PlantoScan — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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