Asteraceae
Cape ivy: Ground Cover Plant
Delairea odorata
Cape ivy is relatively easy to care for if given bright indirect light, moderate watering, and well-drained soil. It grows quickly and requires regular pruning to control its shape and spread.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
10° - 27°C
45% - 60%
Categories
What is Cape ivy?
Cape ivy (Delairea odorata) is a medium-care plant from the Asteraceae family. Delairea odorata (synonym Senecio mikanioides), commonly known as Cape ivy or German ivy, is a perennial climbing plant from the Asteraceae family, native to the moist mountainous regions of South Africa. It has flexible, twining stems that cling to supports or trail as ground cover, and glossy, sli...
Cape ivy grows up to 4.0m, spread of 400cm, watering every 7 days, 10°C – 27°C, 45–60% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Cape ivy?
TLDR: Cape ivy needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 10-27°C with 45-60% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Cape ivy?
Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil have dried out; in spring-summer, keep the soil slightly moist, and in winter, allow it to dry out almost completely between waterings. Avoid overwatering, which promotes root rot.
How Much Light Does Cape ivy Need?
Prefers bright indirect light, ideally near a south or west-facing window; tolerates a few hours of direct morning sun but should be protected from strong afternoon sun.
What Is the Best Soil for Cape ivy?
Needs a well-drained, light substrate with a neutral to alkaline pH — a mix of potting soil with 30-50% perlite, coarse sand, or pumice is ideal.
What Pot Should You Use for Cape ivy?
It is well-suited for hanging pots or the edge of tall shelves due to its long, climbing stems; the pot must have drainage holes.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 21 days
Misting
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 900 days
What Is Cape ivy and Where Does It Come From?
Delairea odorata (synonym Senecio mikanioides), commonly known as Cape ivy or German ivy, is a perennial climbing plant from the Asteraceae family, native to the moist mountainous regions of South Africa. It has flexible, twining stems that cling to supports or trail as ground cover, and glossy, slightly fleshy leaves with 5-7 pointed lobes. In autumn and winter, it produces small, sweet-smelling yellow inflorescences. It is a very fast-growing species, considered invasive in many regions with mild climates, where it smothers native vegetation. All parts of the plant contain toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, dangerous to humans, pets, and farm animals.
How to Propagate Cape ivy?
How Big Does Cape ivy Grow?
TLDR: Cape ivy can reach up to 4.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
4.0m
Spread
4.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Cape ivy?
TLDR: Cape ivy is susceptible to 6 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, soft-bodied, winged insects closely related to aphids and mealybugs. They are moth-like in appearance, about 1/16 inch long, triangular in shape, and gray-white in color. These sap-sucking pests feed on plant tissue, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and wilting. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth. Whiteflies can transmit serious plant viruses.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
