Question
QUESTION: I have a hanging ivy plant that we bought about 3 weeks ago. For the first week it was outside on a porch. We brought it inside and placed it by a window about 2 weeks ago. Even though new leaves are sprouting, some of the older leaves look withered and brown. I have watered it twice since I have had it. I can't find anything on the web about the care of this type of plant. Can you help please? Thank you!

ANSWER: Dear Jenna,

I don't know what the temperature is where you are in the States but if it is hot then your plant is definitely thirsty since you have only watered it twice in three weeks.  Having said that if only a few leaves at the base [near the soil] of the stems have died then don't worry as you say you have new leaves.

Although you have called it a hanging ivy I think you mean trailing as it is only hanging if you actually hang it up somewhere.  Is it in direct sunlight by your window?  If so then move it to another place, it needs light especially if it is a variegated variety otherwise the leaves will all revert to green.  If it is in direct sunlight, particularly midday sun then the whole plant will eventually shrivel up and die.

Keep the soil moist during the summer and reduce watering in the winter, mist the leaves now and then to help keep the plant cool, keep it clean and deter any insects which might fancy it!

All my ivies are outside at the moment enjoying the fresh air and breezes although they are well away from the sun as it is very fierce - I am in southern Spain.  They are watered every other day unless I find the soil is really dry.

So remove all dead leaves, pinch out the tips of the plants if you would like it to grow in a more bushy shape, keep it cool, fed [twice a month] and watered and it will reward you with lots more growth over the summer months.

Good Luck

Diana











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

QUESTION: Thank you for the help. It is by a window that gets sunlight during the morning hours. After reading your answer, I assume I have not been watering the plant enough. What does Pinching out the tips of the plant mean? I would like it to grow in a bushy shape, but I'm not really sure how to pinch out the tips. Thanks again for the help!

Answer
Hello Jenna,

You literally take the end of a stem and pinch [break] it off.  That stem will then branch out to become two stems.  If you break it off about 3-6 inches from the end you could use these cuttings to propagate more plants.  This is the right time of year to do this.  The principal is the same as dead heading a flowering plant, you are encouraging - in the case of the flowering plant - more flowers to grow and in the case of a foliage plant more stems and leaves.

Cut the stem just below a leaf joint removing the leaves apart from the ones at the tip.  Dip the cut end in hormone rooting powder and plant straight away in a good compost firming the compost around the stem. Treat your cuttings gently, no direct sun, they need light and for the soil to be kept moist.  

Do not be tempted to keep digging up the stem to see if roots have formed.  You will know they have formed as soon as you see new leaf growth.

Not all plants can be propagated by the same method of stem cuttings,for example a cactus or succulent cutting has to be left to dry out for several days before planting, and if you want to take cuttings from a shrubby plant you should take a heel cutting.  But that's another story and if you need more advice by all means contact me again telling me which plant you want to propagate.

Diana