Poor care is not always to blame when the ivy does not thrive properly or turns brown. Whether in the garden or in the room - ivy often suffers from infestation by fungal spores or pests. How to recognize and treat a fungal infestation or the appearance of pests.
How do you treat ivy if it is infested with fungal spores or pests?
If ivy is infested with fungal spores or pests, affected parts of the plant should be generously removed and disposed of with household waste. Treatment with soapy water and alcohol or commercially available sprays can combat pests. Regular cleaning of the tool prevents the spread.
First sign: brown spots on the ivy leaves
If brown spots appear on the leaves of the ivy or if the ivy even turns completely brown, this is always a sign that something is missing from the plant. Often it is due to incorrect care, for example because the ivy has dried out. This problem can be easily remedied by sufficient watering, even in winter.
It becomes more difficult when the leaves change color because the cause is an infestation of fungal spores or pests.
Identify and treat fungal infestation
Focal spot disease is the most common disease of ivy. Fungal spores attack the leaves and usually cause brown, occasionally yellow spots.
Ivy cancer is also caused by fungal spores. It initially appears as small brown spots that later turn black. The stains dry out and fall off.
If you have a fungal infestation, you should immediately use secateurs. Generously cut off all parts of the plant that are affected by the infestation. Light the plant additionally. Dispose of the plant parts in household waste, not in the compost!
Fighting pest infestations
Spider mites and scale insects are more common on ivy. With spider mites, you first notice yellow spots on the leaves, which later affect the entire leaf. Scale insects leave a sticky substance on the leaves called honeydew.
If the infestation is not too severe, try fighting the pests with a solution of soapy water and alcohol. Sometimes the only thing that helps is a commercially available spray (€39.00 on Amazon), which you can get from a gardening store.
It can also make sense to prune and thin out the ivy.
Tip
Many diseases on plants in the garden or house are caused by unclean tools. Knives and scissors transmit fungal spores or pests to he althy plants. Especially with ivy, it is particularly important that you clean all equipment thoroughly before and after use.
