Have you ever thought that even an ordinary ivy can contribute to your family savings? It is not only a beautiful plant that is useful, but also works as a natural insulation.
Ivy is an undemanding plant that you can find both in the wild and in many gardens. Although it is poisonous, it is also known for its healing properties, and it can also reduce heating costs thanks to its insulating properties. How to grow ivy and take advantage of its benefits?
Do you want to learn more about ivy and its propagation? Watch an interesting YouTube video on Ms. Flower:
Source: Youtube
Climbing ivy or Hedera helix
It is an evergreen climbing plant, which originally comes from Europe and Western Asia, but was introduced to several areas of the world and today is also found in Australia and in North or South America. It has shiny, dark green leathery leaves with pronounced veins, which are often heart-shaped or lobed. Ivy is very hardy and does not require much to grow.
It doesn’t bloom until several years after planting, and from the end of August to the beginning of December, it blooms with greenish-yellow, small flowers with five petals. They are full of nectar, which attracts bees, bumblebees and some types of butterflies to the garden. In the same way, ivy offers a refuge for different species of birds, which supports biodiversity. Ivy is a hardy and hardy plant, it is both a climbing plant and a ground cover, and it is known for its huge root system that provides it with enough moisture almost anywhere it grows.
Ivy as a heat insulator
Ivy grows not only on trees, which it can perfectly cover, but also on fences and walls. It can cover entire houses with an overview. It then serves as a very effective natural insulation during the winter and protects the interior from heat leakage and cold air ingress. In summer, on the other hand, it is an excellent insulation against excessive heat. In the same way, this creeper is also an effective protection of the facade against heavy rains. For these reasons, it is very popular especially in Great Britain, where few country houses can do without ivy.
Cleans the surrounding air
In addition, creeping ivy leaves evaporate water around the house, thereby humidifying and oxygenating the air. They can also absorb dust and other impurities, so you get much cleaner and healthier air into your apartment during ventilation.
What ivy needs to grow well
As already mentioned, ivy is actually quite unpretentious. It prefers shade or semi-shade, but can also tolerate a moderate dose of sunlight. Likewise, the plant is undemanding to the type of soil, but it thrives best in well-drained and slightly moist soil. Ivy benefits from moderate watering during the growing season, which should be limited in winter. However, it is quite sensitive to overwatering. It likes slightly moist soil.
Ivy is poisonous, but also medicinal
Ivy is a poisonous plant, especially its green to blue-purple fruits. They cause vomiting and diarrhoea, but there is nothing to worry about if a small amount is ingested, for example animal charcoal will help. In the same way, this plant is recognized for its healing abilities, where its spring leaves are mainly used. They contain significant saponins and flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory effects, help to remove dirt and, when used externally, have a fungicidal effect.
Resources: www.living.iprima.cz, www.zelenadomacnost.com, www.topinspirace.cz
