---
title: "How to Water Ivy (Hedera helix) for a Healthy Plant"
description: "Learn the best ways to water your Ivy (Hedera helix). Discover how to check soil moisture, top water, bottom water, and use a water bath. Prevent overwatering."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/watering/ivy"
published: "2025-11-20T08:44:34.849Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:18:34.868Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/8kEwYwWtTBWPQHKD07xtUQ.webp?size=large"
---

# How to Water Ivy (Hedera helix) for a Healthy Plant

## How to water

Feel the soil: the top layer of soil can be slightly dry and the soil below should be a bit moist, but not wet, when watering your Ivy again. Squeeze a bit of soil between your fingers - if water seeps out it’s still wet. There are several ways to water your Ivy. Choose a way that suits you the best.

**If the soil is wet - snooze this action, we will remind you again in 2 days.**

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/8kEwYwWtTBWPQHKD07xtUQ.webp?size=large)

## Water over the soil

1. Pour water over the soil, using, for example, a watering can or put the plant directly under a tap
2. Continue adding water to the pot until it starts to run out from the drainage holes
3. If you have a tray under the pot when watering, make sure you remove all the collected water afterwards - never let your plant sit in water
4. If you watered under a tap make sure that water has stopped running out from the bottom before putting it back

> Ivy loves the perfect balance between wet and dry soil. They don’t like to dry out completely and they don’t want to be overwatered.  
> — Planta tip

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/ouVy4a_CS-eFfnohFuZP4A.webp?size=large)

## Bottom watering

1. Fill the plant tray with water
2. Make sure the soil is in contact with the water on the tray
3. Wait for about 10 minutes
4. Feel the soil to see if it absorbed enough water —> if the soil is moist throughout, remove any excess water from the tray
5. If it’s still dry —> add more water to the tray
6. Wait 20 more minutes before removing the excess

### Note

Bottom watering will not wash away salts and other minerals from the soil, so make sure to also give water over the soil every now and then.

## Water bath

1. Fill a bucket or any other vessel with lukewarm water
2. Lower the whole pot down in the water, stop where the stem of the plant starts. Make sure all of the soil is under water
3. The water will now start to bubble - wait until it stopped
4. Lift the pot up and let the excess drain off
5. Put your Ivy back in the cachepot or on the tray
6. After 1 hour, check that your plant isn’t standing in water, if it is it might get overwatered and rot

> Ivy doesn’t like to live in wet soil, so make sure that your Ivy is planted in a pot with excellent drainage.  
> — Planta tip

## Frequently asked questions

### How do I know if my Ivy needs water?

To check if your Ivy (Hedera helix) needs water, feel the soil. The top layer should be slightly dry, and the soil below a bit moist but not wet. If water seeps out when you squeeze soil, it's still wet.

### Can I bottom water my Ivy plant?

Yes, you can bottom water your Ivy by filling the plant tray with water, ensuring soil contact, and letting it absorb water for about 10 minutes. If the soil is still dry, add more water and wait 20 more minutes before removing any excess.

### How do I give my Ivy a water bath?

For a water bath, fill a bucket with lukewarm water and lower the entire pot until all the soil is submerged, stopping at the stem. Wait until the bubbling stops, then lift the pot to let the excess water drain off.

### What should I do after watering my Ivy?

After watering, always remove any collected water from the tray immediately, as Ivy should never sit in water. If you gave it a water bath, check after an hour to ensure it's not standing in water to prevent overwatering and rot.

### Should Ivy soil dry out completely between waterings?

No, Ivy (Hedera helix) does not like to dry out completely, nor does it like to be overwatered. It thrives with a perfect balance between wet and dry soil.

### Why is good drainage important for my Ivy?

Ivy plants dislike living in wet soil, so they need excellent drainage to prevent overwatering and potential root rot. Ensure your Ivy is planted in a pot with good drainage.

## How to Water Ivy (Hedera helix)

1. Feel the top layer of soil; it should be slightly dry, and the soil below moist but not wet.
2. Pour water over the soil using a watering can or directly under a tap.
3. Continue adding water until it begins to run out from the drainage holes.
4. If using a tray, remove all collected water immediately after watering.
5. If watering under a tap, ensure water has stopped running out from the bottom before returning the plant.

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_Source: Planta (https://getplanta.com), the plant care app for iOS and Android. Download the app: https://getplanta.com/download_