Many common and well-loved indoor plants are actually highly invasive. Let’s talk about it.
Part of what makes certain plants invasive is that they are low-maintenance and quick spreaders. Unsurprisingly, this can also make them appealing indoor plants. Think of English Ivy, an extremely popular indoor plant that’s commonly found in plant nerds’ collections.
However, if invasive plants that are grown indoors were to escape the confines of our homes, they would wreak havoc on the Sea to Sky’s native habitats!
How do indoor plants get outside?
Indoor plants have a tendency to end up outside. Maybe…
- A windowsill plant gets knocked over accidentally.
- Someone throws a plant out, thinking it is dead.
- Someone re-pots an indoor plant on the porch, leaving soil and bits of plant material behind.
- A bird has a snack on a balcony plant?
- Or maybe you mistakenly walk plant parts outside on your shoes?
There are many unlikely yet common mechanisms that allow invasive indoor plants to head into the great outdoors. This is why we recommend that you leave the invasive plants at the garden store and opt for a non-invasive alternative instead (but more on that later).
English and Irish Ivy
As previously mentioned, English and Irish Ivy (Hedera helix & Hedera hibernica) are invasive in the Sea to Sky region. If they were to escape from the comforts of your home they could:
- Form ‘ivy deserts’ which threaten native plants from the forest floor to the canopy.
- Damage property and infrastructure.
- Carry bacterial leaf scorch, a plant pathogen that infects tree species such as elms, oaks, and maples.
Also, the fruits and leaves of Ivy are toxic to humans and livestock. Not a good look! These are only a few reasons to avoid Ivy. For the full list head to the English and Irish Ivy Profile Page.
Common offenders
Invasives can also threaten our environment after making their way into potted plants and hanging baskets. Indeed, invasive plants like Yellow Lamium and Common Periwinkle may be included in decorative arrangements meant for porches, that are sometimes brought indoors.
As with invasive plants grown indoors (we’re looking at you, Ivy!), we recommend that you avoid these plants. Not to worry, there are plenty of non-invasive green beauties for you to grow!
Starting to question your plant collection?
To find out if your beloved indoor plants are invasive or not, scroll through our invasive plant profile pages. If you are still unsure, don’t hesitate to send us a message by email or on socials (@ssinvasives).
Don’t be mistaken, SSISC absolutely LOVE an indoor plant collection. Our team have an impressive range of indoor plants! Let’s just make sure we’re being responsible indoor plant owners and stick to non-invasive species.
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