Question
Hello

I was given a potted ivy plant about a year ago. Normally the plant is kept inside next to the back door where it gets plenty of the morning sun and watered every 3 to 4 days. I started noticing that some of the leaves were turning brown on the tips so I started sitting it out on my deck where it could get more sun. To my surprise one day, almost all the leaves were partially black. Please help, this plant has a lot of sentimental value and I would like to save it if I can.

Thanks

Answer
Hi Stacey,

I am assuming your ivy is a Hedera Ivy, although many people also call Philodendron and Pothos "ivy." If I am wrong, let me know.

Although light is important for plants, too much ligth is a bad thing. Plants can adapt to changes in light, but only very gradually. Outside sunlight is many times more intense than indoor light. So your plant has suffered sunburn and also possibly heat stress if your local outside temps have been much above 80 degrees F.

Sun and heat damaged leaves do not recover, so they should be removed. If that leaves you with long, leafless vines, then prune those vines back to a length of about 2 inches. As long as the roots are healthy, then your Ivy will slowly produce healthy new growth as long as you keep it inside where it belongs.

It is hard to say just why your Ivy leaves had some brown edges before you moved it outside. That could be caused by either over or under watering or using hard water. When properly potted, a Hedera Ivy should be watered when the surface of the soil feels dry. Use filtered or distilled water if your local tap water is on the hard side.

I have written an article on Hedera Ivy care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com