Question
Why would a newly purchased english ivy plant have all of it's vines and leaves shrivel up and become brown in one weeks time?  I hadn't watered it as it was already moist.  Also, what cause the tips of algerian ivy to become dark?

Answer
Hi Diana,

There is almost nothing that you could have done in one week that would cause your English ivy to die. Most likely the roots were in bad shape when you acquired it and you happened to get it at just the wrong time. The fact that it has not needed water in a week indicates that the roots are rotted and no longer absorbing water. Root rot does not occur in a week; it takes a month or more of improper watering to reach the point where water is no longer absorbed. If you purchased this plant, I strongly recommend that you return it for exchange or get your money back.

Darkening of leaf tips on Algerian ivy is usually because the soil is staying too moist. This is particularly likely to happen in the winter when the ivy uses less water and it should be kept drier than usual.

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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