How to Grow Ivy and Trailing Succulents

Wikimedia Commons

Ivy and Trailing Succulents

Hedera spp., Sedum spp., Echeveria spp., and related genera

groundcover

A diverse group of low-growing plants featuring ivy (evergreen vines with adhesive rootlets) and trailing succulents (fleshy-leaved plants with water storage capabilities). These plants excel as groundcovers in both outdoor landscapes and indoor arrangements, offering year-round visual interest with minimal maintenance requirements.

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Example Ivy and Trailing Succulents timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Ivy and Trailing Succulents
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Ivy and Trailing Succulents
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Ivy and Trailing Succulents dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️

Sun: Ivy: partial shade to full sun (varies by variety); Trailing succulents: bright indirect light to full sun (6+ hours daily); avoid intense afternoon heat in very hot climates

💧

Water: Ivy: moderate, consistent moisture; allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Trailing succulents: water sparingly; allow soil to dry completely between waterings, especially in cooler months. Reduce watering in winter by 50-75%

📏

Spacing: 6-12 inches apart depending on variety and desired fill rate; closer spacing for faster coverage inches

📅

Days to maturity: Groundcover spread varies: ivy covers 1-3 feet per year; succulents establish in 4-8 weeks with visible growth in 8-12 weeks

🌱

Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; shallow planting is acceptable for trailing succulents; ivy cuttings 1-2 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining soil; succulents require gritty, sandy mix; ivy tolerates loamy to clay soils

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Perlite or pumice for succulents (30-40% of mix) Coarse sand for drainage Compost for ivy varieties Gravel or small stones for top dressing

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Ivy thrives in zones 4-11 depending on variety; trailing succulents prefer zones 3-11 with winter protection in colder areas

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

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Growth Stages

Establishment

2-4 weeks

Young plants developing root systems; minimal visible growth above soil; leaves may appear pale as plant acclimates

Keep soil consistently moist (not waterlogged) for ivy; water succulents only when soil is dry. Avoid direct sun stress. Maintain 60-75°F if indoors

Vegetative Growth

4-8 weeks

Stems elongate and multiply; new leaves emerge regularly; plants begin spreading outward and filling designated space

Reduce watering frequency as plants establish. Provide bright light for compact growth. Pinch stem tips periodically to encourage bushiness

Spreading/Coverage

8-16 weeks

Trailing stems extend along ground or container edges; plants form dense mat or cascade; older growth becomes woody

Water moderately for ivy; continue minimal watering for succulents. Trim overgrowth to maintain neat appearance. Fertilize monthly during growing season

Maturity

Ongoing

Full groundcover established with complete soil or surface coverage; plant reaches full size and density; leaves show full coloration

Maintain consistent but not excessive water schedule. Remove dead leaves and damaged stems. Light trimming maintains shape

Seasonal Dormancy (Optional)

3-4 months

Growth slows in winter; some varieties show color changes or leaf drop; succulents become more compact

Dramatically reduce watering. Maintain temperatures above 40°F for tender varieties. Prune dead material only; avoid fertilizing

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Creeping thyme Sedum varieties Echeveria Sempervivum Stonecrop Creeping phlox Ajuga Lamium Saxifrage Maiden hair fern (in shade)

Avoid planting near:

Aggressive spreading plants (like mint or bindweed) in ground plantings Tall plants that create dense shade blocking necessary light Plants requiring frequent deep watering (causes root rot in succulents)

Common Pests

Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate affected plants; remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs for indoor arrangements
Increase humidity; spray with water mist; use miticide or neem oil if severe; improve air circulation
Scrape off manually; apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; repeat treatments weekly for 3 weeks
Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; introduce ladybugs in outdoor settings
Improve drainage immediately; reduce watering; repot in fresh, dry soil; remove affected roots with sterilized scissors
Increase air circulation; reduce humidity; spray with sulfur dust or baking soda solution (1 tbsp per gallon water); remove affected leaves

Uses

🏠

Indoor Air Purification

Household

English ivy is scientifically documented to remove airborne toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air, improving air quality in homes and offices. [source]

🎨

Living Wall and Terrarium Arrangements

Craft

Trailing succulents and ivy create stunning vertical gardens, living wall installations, and terrarium displays with minimal ongoing care, providing natural aesthetic appeal to interior and exterior spaces. [source]

🦋

Wildlife Habitat Creation

Wildlife

Dense ivy and groundcover plantings provide shelter, nesting sites, and food sources for birds, beneficial insects, and small mammals, supporting biodiversity in gardens. [source]

🏠

Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization

Household

Ivy's climbing rootlets and dense groundcover from succulents prevent soil erosion on slopes, banks, and hillsides while reducing maintenance compared to mulch or hardscape solutions. [source]

💊

Traditional Herbal Uses

Medicinal

Ivy leaf extract has been used in traditional medicine to support respiratory health and circulation; succulents like aloe contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, though ingestion should be discussed with healthcare providers. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Not typically harvested for consumption. For propagation: take 3-4 inch stem cuttings with clean, sterilized scissors; allow succulent cuttings to callus 1-3 days before planting; ivy cuttings root in water or soil within 2-3 weeks. Trim regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushiness. Prune away dead or diseased material as needed

Fun Facts

🌱 English ivy can live for over 400 years and is still found growing on the walls of medieval European castles, with some specimens dating back centuries
🌱 Trailing succulents like jade plants and echeveria use a specialized photosynthesis process called CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) that allows them to survive in arid conditions by opening their pores at night instead of day
🌱 Ivy's aerial rootlets contain natural adhesive compounds that allow it to cling to nearly any vertical surface without damaging it, making it a superior alternative to nails or screws for living wall installations

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Partial Shade

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