Question
Hi,

I have been browsing the past questions and found one that sounds kind of like what my ivy has here:
http://en.allexperts.com/q/Plant-Diseases-715/2008/3/Jasmin-plant-tiny-insects.h...

About one month ago began to notice some little (tiny) brownish, orange-ish spots forming on the leaves. The leaves closest to the roots were kind of turning lighter green (with dark spots) and wilting. I brought the plant into the bathroom to isolate it from the others, problem was the bathroom does not get a lot of sun or ventilation. I treated the ivy with a warm, soapy, water spray a few times over the span of a couple of days and the spots seemed as if they weren't appearing anymore. I took it out of the bathroom when I noticed it wilting and leaves falling easily off of the stem. It seemed to be better when it was out of the bathroom, until a white, webby substance appeared on the soil. I watered it once, and didn't see the white stuff on the soil anymore but now it is appearing on the undersides of the foliage! Along with it are tiny, brown bugs! Obviously I wiped off most of the leaves affected with a damp cloth and snipped some others. Over the weekend the plant just started to wilt. One stem in particular I actually had to snip because the leaves were wilting and soft.

What can I do?

Thanks  

Answer
It would be my best guess that your ivy plant has red spider mites. Use a magnifying glass and examine the underside of the leaves. Spider mites are extremely small, so look closely for any mites(they look like a miniature spider), or any webbing.If you hold a piece of white paper under the plant and shake,the mites will be easy to see.

Should you find any evidence, isolate the plant from all of your other plants. Check your other houseplants too, mites are small enough that a breeze can transport them to the next plant.

There are commercial insecticides available to control mites, but read the label, some types can not be used on ivy. Before you resort to poison,,,,try dipping the foliage in room temperature, mildly soapy water. Dip it again in a week or so, and then recheck for mites. With any luck,,,you'll have 'em beat.

Ivy, as with most glossy leafed houseplants, need their leaves wiped with a damp cloth, occasionally. A periodic misting is helpful also.

As far as lighting goes, ivy likes bright light, but not necessarily full sun. The amount of light does have a direct bearing on the size of the leaves.

If you check your plant, and find no evidence of insects, write back, and I'll try again. Bill