- First sign: brown spots on the ivy leaves
- Identify and treat fungal infestation
- Combat pest infestations
Poor care is not always to blame if the ivy does not thrive properly or turns brown. Whether in the garden or in the room - ivy often suffers from the infestation of fungal spores or pests. How to recognize and treat a fungal infestation or the appearance of pests.
A mild pest infestation can be combated with a detergent solution
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 the plant is missing something. It is often due to incorrect care, for example because the ivy has dried up. This problem can easily be 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
Burn spot disease is the most common disease of ivy. Fungal spores attack the leaves and usually cause brown, occasionally yellow spots.
Ivy canker is also triggered by fungal spores. It is initially characterized by small brown spots that later turn black. The spots dry up and fall off.
In the event of a fungal infestation, you should immediately grab the pruning shears. Cut off all parts of the plant that are affected by the infestation generously. Also light the plant. Dispose of the parts of the plant in the household waste, not in the compost!
Combat pest infestations
Spider mites and scale insects are more common on ivy. With spider mites, you first discover yellow spots on the leaves, which later infest the whole leaf. Scale insects leave a sticky substance on the leaves called honeydew.
If the infestation isn't too severe, try fighting the pests with a solution of soapy water and alcohol. Sometimes, however, the only thing that helps is a commercially available spray that you can get from a garden store.
In addition, it can be useful to prune and thin out the ivy.
tips
Many diseases in plants in the garden or house are caused by unclean tools. Knives and scissors transfer fungal spores or pests to healthy plants. With ivy in particular, it is particularly important that you thoroughly clean all equipment before and after use.