The stems bear aerial roots which cling to nearby surfaces such as wallpaper and woodwork. Ivies are also useful as trailers in hanging baskets or as ground cover between larger plants. They do not, however, deserve their reputation as an easy plant. They suffer in heated homes and may require regular misting in some homes, otherwise the leaf tips will turn brown. Ivy topiary has again become popular as the ivy grows over the shape when the side shoots are clipped regularly to produce a dense cover.
Plants like to rest in the winter and require less water.
Brown leaf tips result from dry air. Green leaves on variegated types result from too little light. Also watch for mealybugs, mites and scale. Still others are wavy, curled, crested, cupped or ruffled. In color they combine green with white, cream, yellow or pink.