The Effect of Azolla, Peanut Shell, and Tea Waste Composts on the Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Common Ivy (Hedera helix)

The effect of different substrates was studied on the growth of common ivy (Hedera helix) in a pot experiment based on a completely randomized design with five treatments and three replications in a research greenhouse in the Ornamental Plants Research Center of Lahijan. The experimental treatments were composed of five substrates including (B1) 50 % Azolla compost + 40 % peanut shell compost + 10 % perlite, (B2) 50 % Azolla compost + 40 % peanut shell compost + 10 % zeolite, (B3) 30 % Azolla compost + 30 % peanut shell compost + 30 % tea waste compost + 10 % perlite, (B4) 30 % Azolla compost + 30 % peanut shell compost + 30 % tea waste compost + 10 % zeolite, and (B5) 80 % peat + 20 % perlite. The results showed that the plant height, leaf number, auxiliary branch number and diameter, the number of nodes, and leaf chlorophyll content, which are the decorative traits of climbing evergreen plants like the common ivy, were the highest in substrate B3. The highest root and shoot dry matter and leaf N, K, and Zn contents were obtained from the plants grown in substrate B3. The highest leaf carotenoid and the longest roots were related to substrate B5. B1 was the most successful substrate in increasing leaf Fe. So, substrate B3 is recommended as the best substrate for the growth of the common ivy.