Even if you’re doing everything by the book and following all the expert advice, ivy can be a bit unpredictable. Over its long lifespan, your lush green climber might suddenly start looking a little under the weather. These changes aren’t just an eyesore; they can often signal a serious underlying health issue.
Common Ivy Ailments: An Overview
As a plant parent, you know your ivy is struggling the moment its growth stalls or its vibrant look fades. Whether it’s a fungal infection or a pest invasion doesn’t matter as much as knowing how to fix it. To help you get your plant back on track, here are the four most common culprits behind a sick ivy:
- Bacterial Canker (Ivy Canker)
- Leaf Spot Disease
- Spider Mites
- Scale Insects
Dealing with Fungal and Bacterial Diseases
The remedy for both fungal and bacterial issues is the same: a bold pruning session! You’ll want to immediately cut away any infected vines. Just a heads-up: make sure to thoroughly disinfect your shears before and after use. Also, be sure to dispose of the clippings in the regular trash—never put them in your compost bin, or you’ll risk spreading the spores throughout your garden.
If you’re curious about exactly what you’re dealing with, take a closer look at the foliage. Small brown dots are a classic sign of Leaf Spot. Bacterial Canker, on the other hand, starts with brown spots that eventually turn black, dry out, and fall away, leaving your leaves looking like they’ve been hit by a tiny hole punch.
Pro Tip:
Avoid the temptation to spray your sick ivy with a garden hose. While it feels like you’re cleaning it, the splashing water actually helps spores travel to healthy parts of the plant, making the infection worse.
The Two Main Pests
Pests are usually a bigger headache for indoor ivy, especially if the location isn’t ideal. Dry indoor air is the main culprit here—especially that parching heat from radiators in the winter. If you aren’t using a humidifier or a pebble tray to boost moisture, you might start seeing:
To confirm a pest infestation, flip the leaves over and check the undersides for these tell-tale signs:
- Fine, silky webs (a signature move by spider mites)
- Sticky residue (honeydew) left behind by scale insects
- The actual bugs themselves, which you can often spot if you look closely
How to Fight Back Against Pests
Once again, your pruning shears are your best friend when trying to save your ivy. You have to act fast because these little guys multiply at lightning speed. Snip off the heavily infested parts, disinfect your tools, and bag the waste for the trash. For an extra layer of defense, you can spray the remaining plant with a homemade mix of water, a drop of dish soap, and a splash of rubbing alcohol.
If the infestation is really out of control, you’ll have to make a tough call: try a stronger commercial pesticide or, if the plant is too far gone, say your goodbyes and start fresh to protect your other plants.
