What are the ivy roots used for?
Ivy develops two different varieties of root. The main root supplies the climbing plant with nutrients and water. It penetrates the earth, but can also continue to grow in joints and cracks in the wall. Main roots always arise where the tendril of the ivy rests on a favorable subsoil.
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In contrast, the adherent roots are suction devices arranged in a ball-shaped manner. If the tendril lies on a suitable substrate, adhesive roots form first to fix the shoot.
Ivy without adherent roots there is not any. The adhesive roots of Hedera helix, common ivy, are particularly strong, while those of Irish ivy and Caucasian ivy are less pronounced.
Varieties for facade greening
A big problem with the facade greening with ivy is the adhesion roots because they leave residues later when they are removed. When the tendrils are torn off, the suction cups remain in the ground and have to be removed at great expense.
If you want to green a facade or wall, you should therefore give preference to Irish ivy. Caucasian ivy, on the other hand, is not suitable because the adhesive roots are too weak and there is a risk that the ivy will simply fall off after a heavy storm.
Remove adhesive roots from house walls
If you Ivy from walls and remove walls, first tear off the tendrils from top to bottom. You have to be very careful not to damage the masonry.
You can use the following tools to remove the residues of the adhesive roots:
- Wire brush
- Sandpaper
- spatula
- Triangle grinder
- Sandblasting machine
Sandblasting equipment should only be used if the masonry is very solid. Otherwise you will have to plaster the house again later.
Tips
In contrast to the supply roots, the adherent roots of ivy are not responsible for structural damage. Only the supply roots can spread in cracks in the wall and joints to such an extent that they break up the masonry.