If the leaves of the ivy turn brown or yellow, dry out or fall off, care errors are usually responsible. Occasionally, pests also cause problems for the climbing plant. How to recognize pests and what you can do about them.
Which pests can attack ivy and how do you fight them?
Answer: Common pests of ivy are mealy bugs, spider mites, black weevil larvae and grubs. Indoor ivy can be treated with dish soap solutions or insecticides. When infested outdoors, nematodes help against beetle larvae; Chemicals should be avoided.
Pests that can harm ivy
The most common vermin include:
- mealybugs
- Red spider mites
- Black weevil larvae
- Grubs
Pests of indoor ivy
Lice and spider mites are particularly common in ivy that is kept indoors. These are usually easy to see with the naked eye.
In addition to feeding marks that cause holes in the leaves, mealybugs or mealybugs leave a sticky coating on the leaves. Red spider mites show suction marks on the top and bottom of the leaves.
Pests mainly appear in the room when the humidity is too low. It is worth spraying the ivy regularly with water from a spray bottle, especially in the winter months. Basically, ivy should not be placed near heat sources or directly in the sun.
Fighting pests in the room
Shower the ivy well in the shower and don't forget the pot. If the infestation is severe, simply cut off the affected shoots.
Treat the plant with a mixture of dish soap and water. Commercially available insecticides can also be used to combat the pests.
Beetle larvae and grubs in the wild
In the open field, beetle larvae in particular lurk on the ivy. They are located in the ground and can only be seen if you dig up the ground. The larvae of the black weevil are particularly dangerous. On the other hand, grubs, the larvae of the cockchafer, only bother the ivy every few years.
To combat pests in the soil, you can use nematodes, beneficial roundworms that eat the larvae and leave only the shells behind.
In the interest of garden he alth, you should avoid using chemical agents.
Tip
If the leaves of the ivy turn red as the temperature drops, it is not due to vermin. Some varieties develop red leaves in autumn. Even in strong sunlight the leaves turn red.