Question
QUESTION: Hi,I had a question about my Hedera sp. English ivy, Canary Island ivy. I have had it for over a year now and when I first potted it, it was doing really well and the vines grew everyday. Since May of this year, all the vines have stopped growing, and the leaves are not as green as they used to be, they are yellowing. What do you think the problem could be? It is currently potted with another plant, which I unfortunately do not know the name. Both plants are in a 5 inch deep pot with a diameter of 6 inches. Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Eric,

Yellow leave are a generic symptom with many possible causes. I cannot tell you what is wrong, but I can tell you what your Hedera needs so perhaps you can determine where you are falling short.

Hederas do well only when quite potbound. In pots that are too large, they are very prone to slow growth and even root rot. It is also essential that the pot have a draiange hole.

Ivy needs lots of very bright indirect light such as you get on a north windowsill. If it is more than 3 or 4 feet from any window, it may not be getting adequate light.

The soil should be watered as soon as the top half-inch of soil feels dry. Water thoroughly until a bit of water runs through the drainage hole.

Hederas do best in cool temps below 70 degrees F. In warmer, drier air, they are very prone to spider mites.

Fertilize sparingly ever month at half-strength.

I have written an article on the complete care of Hedera Ivies that I will email to anyone who sends a request to my address below.

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


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for answering my previous question so quickly!

The ivy is in a smallish pot with another plant, so I believe that it is somewhat root bound. It is also right beside a South East facing window and has direct light in the morning and bright indirect light in the afternoon. I water it regularly when it gets dry. And it has good drainage. The leaves are not completely yellow, but they have lost there very intense dark green colour, and all the ends of the vines are brown and dried up, with no new leaves in a months. I havent changed anything with my plant. And it seems as though everything you have said I am doing right. Could there be any other reason? And if you could send me your article, that would be great.

Thanks again!  

Answer
Hi Eric,

Direct sunlight will cause leaves to turn a pale color, so that may be the problem. South windows also tend to be a bit too warm. A north windowsill is much better.

The only other suggestion I have is that you may be letting it get too dry, given the excessive light and temperatures. Finally, I don't know what you mean by 'good drainage.'

I can only send my article to an email address so you have to make your request by sending me an email,  not through this website.

Will Creed
[email protected]