Polynesian Ivy Houseplant Care Tips

December 9, 2021
Polynesian Ivy

Polynesian Ivy, also known as Pellionia Pulchra or Satin Pellionia, is a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant with trailing stems and variegated leaves. It’s a popular choice for hanging baskets or adding a touch of greenery to shelves and desks.

They don’t ask for much, but give in the way of beautiful foliage. They do offer blooms but they are considered insignificant in the houseplant community and it would be best to pull them off to redirect energy back to the plant.

Polynesian Ivy Vine Houseplant Pellionia pulchra

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How to grow Polynesian Ivy indoors:

Lighting:

This houseplant love bright indoor light preferably from an east facing window. Some direct light from the east facing window is also appreciated. During the summer months the Polynesian Ivy does well being placed in a shady spot in the garden. You will be surprised at how much growth houseplants can put on when they spend the summer in the garden.

Temperature:

Polynesian Ivy thrives in warm temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Avoid placing it near drafts or vents, as sudden temperature fluctuations can stress it.

Humidity:

As a tropical plant, Polynesian Ivy prefers humid conditions. You can increase humidity around your plant by misting it regularly, placing it on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping it with other humid-loving plants.

Maintaining adequate humidity is crucial for the health and well-being of many houseplants, especially those native to tropical environments. Here are some effective methods to increase humidity around your indoor plants:

  1. Misting: Regularly misting your plants with a fine spray of water directly on their leaves is a simple and quick way to boost humidity levels. Focus on misting the undersides of leaves, as this is where transpiration occurs. Avoid misting plants with fuzzy or hairy leaves, as excess moisture can encourage fungal growth.
  2. Pebble Trays: Create a pebble tray by placing a layer of pebbles or small rocks in a shallow tray. Fill the tray with water until the pebbles are just submerged. Place your plant pot on top of the pebbles, ensuring the pot’s base doesn’t touch the water. As the water evaporates, it will increase the humidity around the plant.
  3. Grouping Plants: Grouping your houseplants together can create a microclimate with higher humidity levels. As plants transpire, they release moisture into the surrounding air, creating a more humid environment for each other.
  4. Humidifier: Invest in a household humidifier to directly add moisture to the air. Choose a humidifier that is appropriate for the size of your room and place it near your plants. Ensure the humidifier is cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.
  5. Shower with Your Plants: Occasionally, give your plants a gentle shower to increase humidity levels and remove dust from their leaves. Use lukewarm water and avoid direct streams of water on delicate flowers or stems.
  6. Place Plants Near Aquariums: Aquariums naturally release moisture into the surrounding air, making them an ideal location for plants that require higher humidity levels. Place your plants near the aquarium, ensuring they receive adequate light.
  7. Hang Plants: Hanging plants can help increase humidity levels around them as the moisture from the soil and leaves evaporates more freely in the air above them.
  8. Terrarium: Create a miniature greenhouse environment by planting your houseplants in a terrarium. Terrariums provide a closed environment with high humidity levels and minimal air circulation, making them ideal for plants that thrive in humid conditions.

Potting Mix:

Use a well-draining potting mix that is specifically formulated for houseplants or African violets. This type of mix provides the right balance of aeration and moisture retention for Polynesian Ivy. The Polynesian Ivy houseplant prefers moist soil. The best way to maintain moist not wet soil is to allow only the soil surface to dry before watering.

Keeping soil moist can be pretty tricky for new plant parents but thankfully this plant is forgiving if you let it get a little more dry then it should.

DIY Soil Mix:

Here’s a recipe for a soil mix that is ideal for Polynesian Ivy:

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Mix all of the ingredients together in a large container.
  2. Moisten the mix with water until it is evenly damp.
  3. Repot your Polynesian Ivy plant in the new potting mix.

Additional Tips:

Key Characteristics of a Suitable Soil Mix for Polynesian Ivy:

Watering:

Water your Polynesian Ivy thoroughly when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Allow excess water to drain completely before placing the pot back in its saucer.

Polynesian Ivy Houseplant Pellionia pulchra

Fertilizing:

During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your Polynesian Ivy every one to two weeks using a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Avoid over fertilizing, as this can damage the roots.

The best fertilizer for Polynesian Ivy is a balanced liquid fertilizer that is diluted to half strength.

Here are some of the best fertilizers for Polynesian Ivy:

Remember to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label for the correct application rate and frequency. Over fertilizing can damage your Polynesian Ivy plant, so it’s always better to err on the side of caution.

Tips for fertilizing Polynesian Ivy:

Repotting:

Repot your Polynesian Ivy every two to three years or when it outgrows its current pot. Choose a pot that is one to two sizes larger and use fresh potting mix.

Propagation:

Polynesian Ivy is easy to propagate from stem cuttings. Take a 3-4 inch cutting from a healthy stem and remove the bottom leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, humid location and keep the soil moist. The cutting should root within a few weeks.

Polynesian Ivy Pellionia pulchra

Common Pests and Diseases:

Polynesian Ivy is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to spider mites and mealybugs. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat your plant promptly with an appropriate insecticide or horticultural oil.

Tips for Success:

The Pellionia Pulchra is a severely underrated houseplant. When you take proper care of your plant it will reward you with lots of growth.

Happy Gardening

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