Why Does My Ivy Look Unhealthy?

Are the leaves wrinkled and discolored?

Are the leaves yellow, stems and leaves are covered by small bumps?

Are the leaves stippled with yellow and the foliage is webbed?

Do the leaves have circular brown spots on them?

Are the trunk and the branches of your ivy oozing sap through the lesions, branch tips died back?

Wrinkled and discolored leaves on ivies are caused by aphids. These tiny insects can vary in color, green, pink, black, gray to completely white. They cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Yellow leaves covered by small bumps are caused by scales. These tiny, shelled insects often feed on the undersides of the leaves, causing an unhealthy appearance with yellowish blotches on the upper leaf surfaces. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.

Spider mites often cause problems for ivies. You can control spider mites by spraying plants thoroughly with water 2-3 times a day for several days. For severe infestations, spray plants with insecticidal soap or pyrethrin.

Bacterial leaf spot causes circular brown spots on ivy leaves. These spots turn brownish-black and may spread to form large patches of dead tissue. To prevent the spread of this disease, avoid working around wet plants. Remove and destroy affected parts. Spray Bordeaux mix on remaining plants.

Oozing lesion is caused by cankers. Cankers can be caused by several different kinds of fungi. Mildly affected plants will recover if you remove and destroy all affected branches. Heavily affected plants can't be cured and you should remove the whole plant. Avoid damaging your plant with lawnmowers, trimmers or pruning tools because the wounds are the best place for cankers to start.

If the leaves have a powdery white coating on them, the cause is a fungal disease Powdery mildew. Powdery mildew usually appears in damp places. Thin your plants to ensure good airflow. Water plants from bellow to keep foliage dry. Any affected leaves should be cut off and removed. Any commercial fungicidal spray will protect your plant from further infections.