Ivy is generally a robust plant that rarely suffers from diseases. However, in an unfavorable location, fungal diseases can also occur in the garden, which not only look ugly, but also weaken the ivy. What you can do if you have a fungal infection.
How do you treat fungal infection on ivy?
To treat fungal infestation on ivy, cut off affected parts of the plant, use fungicides if the infestation is severe, collect fallen leaves, thin out the ivy and dispose of affected leaves in household waste. As a preventive measure, you should water and care for the ivy properly.
Identifying fungal infestation on ivy
Two fungal diseases affect ivy: focal spot disease and ivy canker. Both are characterized by a specific damage pattern.
You can recognize focal spot disease (Colletotrichum trichellum) when gray and brown spots appear on the leaves. Small bumps also form. The leaves usually don't fall off.
With ivy cancer (Xanthomonas campestris pv. hederae), the leaves initially develop small spots. They become black and larger and eventually have a reddish-brown edge. The stains dry up and fall off.
Fighting fungi on ivy
- Cut off affected plant parts
- use fungicide if the infestation is severe
- pick up fallen leaves
- Thinning out ivy
- Cut ivy back heavily if necessary
- Do not dispose of leaves in the garden
Carefully collect all fallen leaves. Dispose of them with the trimmings via the green waste disposal or, better yet, put them in the normal household waste. Do not leave the ivy in the garden for a long time.
If there is a very severe fungal infestation, you should consider tearing out the ivy completely. Stores also stock effective fungicides that you can use as directed.
Prevent fungal infestation
You can prevent fungal infestation by caring for the ivy properly. If possible, do not water the climbing plant from above. The best time for watering is morning to midday. Then the leaves have enough time to dry properly during the day.
Light out the ivy regularly. This allows air to reach the leaves so that they do not become too moist.
When cutting and caring for ivy, always use previously cleaned garden tools. The fungal spores are transmitted through unclean cutting. Then clean the devices thoroughly so that you do not infect further plants.
Tip
Fungal infestation on ivy is rare in the house. Pest infestations are more common here, especially in winter. Ensure there is sufficient humidity in the room.
