Question

I bought the plant from the super market and the tag simply said tropical foliage on it but it looks like ivy as I described. I've had it about 5 months and yes I did repot about a month after I purchased it. It does have little webs that you asked about, I hadn't even noticed them. The dark specks are under the leaves.
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Followup To
Question -
Hi Will,
I bought what I think is a type of ivy plant. The leaves are a medium green and the edges are a cream color. It was doing well when I first brought it home. Now after four or five months when the new leaves start growing they seem to stay small and there is a white and black/brown dust or specks on the surface the pot sits on, also on the edges of the pot and some of the leaves. I was using plant food every couple of weeks but now have stopped. What can I do to get this plant healthy again? Thanks for your help.
Answer -
Hi Sandra,

I have a few questions for you before I can provide a definitive answer for you.

I believe the ivy you described is a variegated Hedera helix. Can you confirm this for me?

Are the dark specks on the table or shelf directly under the leaves?

Do you see any very tiny webs on the surfaces of the leaves?

How long have you had the plant?

Did you repot it?

I look forward to your reply so I can give you the help you need.

Regards,
Will Creed

Answer
Hi Sandra,

Apparently your ivy has spider mites. It may also have aphids.

To treat one or both you should fill your kitchen sink with soapy water (as if you were going to wash dishes). Then turn your plant upside down, making sure that the plant does not fall out of the pot, and swirl it around in the soapy water so that all of the leaf and stem surfaces are dripping wet. Then, let the plant dry off - no need to rinse the soapy water off. Repeat this treatment again in a week to be on the safe side.

Ivies do not usually respond well to repotting. You must be very careful not to keep the soil too moist if you have put it into a larger pot.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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