# Help me identify this houseplant, please. **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 8, 2007, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-houseplant-please/422000 "2007-10-08T22:12:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-houseplant-please/422000/1 "2007-10-08T22:12:24Z")
My roommate got this and has basically abandoned it. I’m trying to keep it alive, but it isn’t doing too well. I don’t know what it is though, so I dunno if it needs more water or sunlight or what. Help! [Plant](http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x163/faeriehazel/plant01.jpg) [Closeup of leaves](http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x163/faeriehazel/plant02.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![VenusProbe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/e495f1/32.png) [@VenusProbe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VenusProbe)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-houseplant-please/422000/2 "2007-10-08T22:21:20Z")
Ivy? that’s what it looks like to me ---
**Author:** ![Monstera\_deliciosa](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monstera_deliciosa/32/109_2.png) [@Monstera\_deliciosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monstera_deliciosa)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-houseplant-please/422000/3 "2007-10-08T22:24:06Z")
It is one of the many varieties of variegated English ivy (_Hedera helix_). They like bright light (but not necessarily direct sun) and coolish temperatures. Ivies are prone to spider mites, which tend to flourish in hot, dry conditions. Try to keep your ivy’s soil moist (like a wrung out sponge) but not wet. A trip to the sink for a cool shower every once in a while is a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![Random](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/57b2e6/32.png) [@Random](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-houseplant-please/422000/4 "2007-10-08T22:25:06Z")
Variegated English Ivy. (Called Common Ivy in the UK). > **[Hedera helix](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Ivy)** > > Hedera helix, the common ivy, English ivy, European ivy, or just ivy, is a species of flowering plant of the ivy genus in the family Araliaceae, native to most of Europe and western Asia. A rampant, clinging evergreen vine, it is a familiar sight in gardens, waste spaces, and wild areas, where it grows on walls, fences, tree trunks, etc. across its native and introduced habitats. As a result of its hardy nature, and its tendency to grow readily without human assistance, ivy attained popularity ... ---
**Author:** ![Shryn\_King](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/c2a13f/32.png) [@Shryn\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shryn_King)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-houseplant-please/422000/5 "2007-10-08T22:28:18Z")
I personally find that type of ivy easy for me to kill. ---
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [October 8, 2007, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-identify-this-houseplant-please/422000/6 "2007-10-08T23:47:11Z")
Okay. I’ve been watering it when I water my ficus, which probably explains why it’s doing so poorly. :rolleyes: Thanks everyone. 🙂