Ivy plants are fast-growing, attractive vines. Most are evergreen, and they can be trained around forms and pruned to grow into a wide variety of shapes, from animals to traditional, formal columns and spheres. Your ivy topiary requires the same care that free-growing ivy requires, which is not a lot. Ivy is a very hardy plant that thrives in cool, lower-light conditions--perfect for a shaded porch or even an indoor plant. With basic culture, your ivy topiary will thrive.
Place your ivy topiary in a location where it will receive some bright, but indirect, light, such as some morning sun followed by afternoon shade or daylong dappled shade. Or place it next to a window that has a curtain to filter the sunlight.
Water frequently. Ivy thrives in cool, moist soil, according to information published by the master gardeners of the "Emmitsburg News-Journal." Do not let the soil dry out, but don't water so much that the soil is overly soggy or muddy, which could lead to fungus growth.
Rinse the leaves off with warm water once a week to get rid of dust and spider mites. If you notice a severe spider mite infestation (signified by yellow spots on the leaves and white webbing), wash the plant with insecticidal soap, making sure to get under the leaves as well.
Weave new growth into the topiary frame, or snip it off with pruning shears if you are satisfied with the shape and size of your topiary.