'Glacier' ivy guide
Hedera helix 'Glacier', also called variegated English ivy, Glacier English ivy
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 3 cm (1 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Above average. Dry, warm air invites spider mites.
- Temperature
- 10 to 21°C (50 to 70°F). It likes a cool room.
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Causes vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mature size
- Vines trail 1 to 3 m (3 to 10 ft) indoors
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings in water or soil
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Glacier' ivy different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the English ivy care guide.
What it is
‘Glacier’ is an English ivy with small, three-lobed leaves in gray-green, silver, and cream. Most of the pale color sits along the edges. In cool weather, the edges can blush pink. It is one of the most common variegated ivies.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Glacier’ | Silver-gray and cream, small | Silvery look with cream edges |
| ‘Needlepoint’ ivy | Small, deep-cut, pointed, green | All green, narrow pointed lobes |
| ‘Gold Child’ | Green with gold-yellow edges | Yellow, not cream or silver |
Care differences
The cream edges need bright indirect light. In low light, new leaves come in greener. Like all ivies, it likes cool rooms and hates hot, dry air. Spider mites love it in winter.
Reverting
Cut out any all-green stems. They grow faster and take over.
Grow it from a cutting
Cut a stem with a few leaves. Root it in water or moist soil. Roots form in one to two weeks.
Buying it
‘Glacier’ is common at garden centers, often in hanging baskets. Look for clean silver and cream leaves with no webbing underneath.