English Ivy is a common favorite among gardeners and homeowners due to its beauty. The deep, rich green of its leaves is both calming and refreshing. When a vine of English Ivy begins to dry up and turn yellow or brown, it’s good to know both the cause and the solution.
So what are the most common causes for English Ivy to dry up?
Toxic Salts
Ivy plants that are grown outdoors require less fertilizing than those grown inside. As for any plant, you always want to avoid over-exposure to chemicals, even those that are nutritious for the plant at lower levels. This is especially true in regions that get excessive heat.
It’s always best to know the right nutrient mix- as well as the ideal fertilization schedule- for the various plants in your yard. If you fear you’ve over-fertilized your ivy, be sure you consult a professional to troubleshoot, so you get restore its health as quickly as possible.
Too Much Water
We all know that water is essential for every living thing, so it may come as a surprise that over-hydration can cause ivy to *appear to dry up. What’s actually happening is 1 of 2 things. The roots may be over-saturated, which can damage the leaves and stems. Or, the excess water may have caused fungal root rot, which is severely detrimental to the vine’s health.
Depending on the average rainfall and humidity of your area, it’s important to monitor how much moisture your English Ivy is getting. That way you know how to strike a healthy balance that maintains its health from root to tip. If your vine is looking yellow after an excess of moisture, it may be time to test and treat for root rot.
Dry Air
Arid climates can also cause English Ivy to dry out. It tends to thrive in relative humidity, which can be an occasional challenge in the North Texas area. If your ivy seems to be suffering from a regional dry spell, it may benefit from light watering a bit more frequently, to increase the moisture in the immediate area.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are one of the most common pests for English Ivy, so it’s important to monitor for infestations if you see your leaves drying out. The spiders themselves are tiny, but their webs are fairly easy to spot among the vines.
The webs can cause eventual damage to the leaves, but fortunately this problem is easy to address. Applying a 50/50 solution of water and ethanol (rubbing alcohol) can effectively rid your bed ivy of these pests. Just be sure to do so when it’s not too hot and the ivy isn’t getting directly sunlight.
Conclusion
Whether it’s draped along your fence or providing a gorgeous ground cover, English Ivy is a beautiful addition to your landscape. If you notice it’s beginning to dry out, these are the first issues to address, to get your ivy looking green again. Be sure you check out our service pages for additional help with keeping your back yard healthy.
