Question
I have an ivy house plant whose leaves slowly start to turn brown and then die. Some of the vines are also browning and drying. The plant is about 4 years old so I repotted this past summer. I thought this would help the browning leaves but no so luck. I guess the new potting soil that I used has too much peat moss in it so now I also have black flies. I have always fertilzed the plant with Schultz liquid plant food. Any ideas or suggestions and how I can save this ivy?  Diane

Answer
Diane,

The black flies indicate to me too much water. A lot of peat moss in the soil causes it to hold more water. Next time you repot add extra perlite to the soil mix and that will provide better drainage.

Allow the plant to dry out totally between waterings until the pot feels light weight when picked up. Also start spraying it every 3 days with rubbing alcohol makiing sure you get the tops and bottoms of all leaves and the surface of the soil. That will kill any insects that may be attacking the plant including spider mites which love ivys. I think drying out more between waterings is the biggest thing. Good luck.

Darlene