English ivy (Hedera helix) is a popular houseplant known for its attractive cascading vines and lush green leaves But those vibrant leaves can quickly turn crispy and brown, leaving plant parents wondering why their ivy is suddenly struggling
If you see brown leaves on your English ivy, it means something is wrong. Finding the root cause and acting on it before it does permanent damage is the most important thing. If you know how to take care of your ivy, you can fix problems and get it back to its former glory.
Top 6 Reasons for Brown Leaves on English Ivy
If the leaves on your English ivy are turning brown, inspect the plant closely and evaluate its care. Here are the most common culprits behind crispy browned ivy foliage
1. Too Much Sun
English ivy thrives in bright, indirect light indoors. Direct sun is too intense and scorches the leaves. This first causes browning along the leaf edges and margins which eventually spreads across the entire leaf surface. Filter or limit sun exposure to prevent further damage.
2. Underwatering
These vines need consistently moist soil. Should you forget to water the plant for too long, the lower leaves will turn brown first along the edges and tips. Increase watering frequency to keep the soil slightly damp.
3. Overwatering
Root rot and brown leaves happen when there is too much water around the roots. Let the soil dry out a bit before you water it again to keep it from getting too wet. Improve drainage if needed.
4. Low Humidity
English ivy flourishes in humid conditions around 40-50% humidity. In dry indoor air, the leaf edges and tips crisp up and turn brown. Group ivy with other plants, use a humidifier, or mist frequently to increase humidity.
5. Drafts
Exposure to drafty windows, heating and cooling vents, and air conditioning causes sudden cold damage and leaf browning. Keep ivy several feet away from airflow sources to prevent temperature fluctuations.
6. Pests
Insects like spider mites suck nutrients from the leaves, leaving behind stippling damage and browning. Treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap if pests are present. Isolate affected plants.
How to Prevent Further Leaf Browning
Once you’ve pinpointed the cause of the browning leaves, take these steps to help your English ivy recover:
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Clip off all the heavily browned leaves to improve appearance and encourage new growth.
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Move the ivy to a properly lit location, avoiding any direct sun exposure.
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Check soil moisture frequently and water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches become dry.
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Mist plant leaves daily or place on a pebble tray to maintain 40-50% humidity.
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Keep in a stable environment between 60-80°F and away from heating and cooling vents.
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Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap monthly to deter pests.
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Repot annually in fresh potting mix to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
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Reduce watering frequency and limit fertilizer in winter when plants are dormant.
With a few adjustments to its care, your English ivy should once again fill out with vibrant green leaves in no time. Proper troubleshooting stops ongoing browning.
What Causes Dry Brown Tips on English Ivy?
If just the extreme tips or edges of the leaves are turning crispy and brown, the problem is likely either low humidity, inconsistent watering, or fertilizer buildup in the soil.
Dry air causes marginal leaf scorching and tip browning in ivy. Keep humidity around 40-50% to minimize this issue. Group plants together or use a humidifier.
Underwatering also leads to crispy brown leaf tips as the plant dries out. Check soil daily and water thoroughly at first sign of dryness near the surface.
Lastly, too much fertilizer in the soil can burn and dry out the leaf tips that are still soft. Flush soil monthly to remove any buildup.
How to Handle Browning Ivy Leaves
When those first brown leaves start appearing on your English ivy, you’ll want to tidy up the plant by removing the unsightly foliage. Follow these tips for handling damaged leaves:
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Only cut away heavily browned leaves if they overwhelm the appearance of the plant.
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Avoid removing too many leaves at one time, as this stresses the plant.
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Take cuttings from any remaining healthy vines before tossing damaged leaves.
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Leave any partially browned leaves in place to allow the plant to reabsorb the nutrients.
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New leaf growth will eventually hide trimmed stems, allowing gradual cutbacks over time.
Regular gentle grooming keeps English ivy looking its best, but be careful not to overprune all at once.
Reviving Your Ivy After Leaf Browning
English ivy is quite resilient and can rebound from moderate leaf browning if you address the underlying problems. Here are some tips to bring your plant back to life:
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Prune away only severely damaged leaves, leaving some greenery intact.
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Move to a bright, humid location out of direct sun. A bathroom works well.
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Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil becomes dry. Add pebbles to improve drainage.
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Mist frequently and wipe leaves often to boost humidity and shine.
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Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth periods.
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Check closely for pests like spider mites that can weaken plants.
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Consider propagating cuttings in water to replenish lost foliage.
Over time, with improved care, the ivy will fill back in with lush new growth. Responding at the first sign of distress helps prevent lasting damage.
Avoiding Future Leaf Browning on English Ivy
Prevention is key to keeping your English ivy’s leaves vibrant and damage-free. Follow these proactive care tips:
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Research the specific variety’s care needs before selecting your plant.
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Check soil moisture daily to avoid under or overwatering issues.
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Situate in bright, indirect light from an east or north facing window.
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Filter intense afternoon sun with sheer curtains.
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Use a humidifier and mist leaves to maintain 40-50% humidity.
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Keep away from heating/cooling vents and other draft sources.
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Allow the soil to partly dry between waterings and ensure adequate drainage.
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Dust leaves often with a damp cloth to encourage photosynthesis.
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Fertilize monthly with a balanced houseplant formula during growth periods.
By providing optimal care from the start, you can prevent almost all causes of English ivy leaf browning. Pay close attention and adjust care at the first sign of any distress. Healthy, happy ivy will reward you with lush growth for years to come.
Ivy plants are beautiful plants with lush vines that add richness to any home. So it’s definitely a bummer when your plant’s leaves start to turn brown and crispy. Let’s dive into a few reasons that this could be happening.
Watering
Browning leaves can happen from both over- and under-watering your ivy. Be sure to let the soil dry out 25-50% of the way down before watering your plant. In the winter, you can err on the dry side. Always be sure to test the soil before you water.
When you water, make sure you provide enough water so that liquid soaks into the soil and flows from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and into the saucer. It’s extremely important to discard any excess water in the saucer, to avoid root rot.
Humidity
Your ivy thrives in a humid environment! Browning leaves can be a sign that the humidity is too low. Add a humidifier nearby, make a pebble tray, or mist the plant often to raise the humidity in the room.
Lighting
Brown crispy leaves can be a sign your ivy is getting too much light. Ivy plants prefer indirect bright light from an east-facing window, or a few feet back from a south- or west-facing window. If placed in too much direct sunlight, your ivy leaves will burn.
Is English Ivy a Good Houseplant?
As you might guess, the TLB team would probably say that almost every houseplant they have is good. However, the English Ivy really does have a lot going for it! He is, of course, oh so handsome, but he’s so much more than just a pretty plant. First off, he makes a fab choice for the newbies and time-poor among us as he’s wonderfully low maintenance. Tolerant to low-light conditions, not too needy for water and happy in cooler temperatures too.
We often shout about the air-purifying powers of plants and English Ivy is a top scorer on this front. In a NASA (yes NASA!) study looking into the air purifying powers of indoor houseplants, English Ivy was found to reduce the amount of a number of toxins from the air, including benzene, formaldehyde and toluene.
With all this going for him, we can totally understand if you’re feeling inspired to include this green beauty in your indoor jungle. Keep reading to learn all about caring for English Ivy and when you welcome him into your home, you’ll know exactly how to keep him happy and healthy.
BEST TIPS | HOW TO CARE FOR ENGLISH IVY | HEDERA HELIX PLANT CARE GUIDE
FAQ
What to do when ivy leaves turn brown?
Often overwatering causes the leaves of your English Ivy to turn pale brown and crispy. If there is still some green leaves, trim off the browning leaves and reduce your watering.
How do I bring my English Ivy back to life?
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1. Watering:English ivy prefers moist soil but dislikes being soggy. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. Soaking the plant in a bowl of water for an hour, letting it drain, can help it absorb moisture.
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2. Light:English ivy thrives in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
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3. Humidity:English ivy benefits from increased humidity. You can create a humid environment by placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water, or by using a humidifier.
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4. Pests:Regularly inspect your ivy for pests, such as spider mites, which can be a problem in dry conditions. If you find pests, treat them with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
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5. Pruning:Hard pruning can encourage new growth and help revitalize the plant. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems, and consider pinching off the growing tips to encourage a bushier shape.
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6. Fertilizing:While English ivy doesn’t need excessive fertilizer, it can benefit from a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can harm the plant.
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7. Soil and Repotting:Use well-draining potting mix and repot your English ivy if it has become root-bound or if the existing soil is compacted. When repotting, choose a pot with adequate drainage and consider using a shallow, wide pot, as English ivy has a shallow root system.
How often should English Ivy be watered?
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Check the soil:Stick your finger into the soil to a depth of about an inch or two. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water.
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Water thoroughly:When you do water, make sure to soak the soil until it drains out of the drainage holes. This helps to flush out excess salts and minerals.
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Avoid soggy soil:Do not leave the plant sitting in a saucer of water, as this can lead to root rot.
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Consider your environment:In summer, you may need to water more frequently, while in winter, you may need to water less often.
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Humidity is key:English ivy also benefits from increased humidity, especially in the winter when indoor air is drier. Consider misting the leaves regularly or using a humidifier.
Why is my indoor English Ivy dying?
- Assess the environment: Check the plant’s location for light, humidity, and temperature.
- Check the soil: Determine if it’s too wet or too dry.
- Inspect for pests: Look for any signs of infestations.
- Check for fungal diseases: Look for any spots or fungal growth on leaves or stems.
- Adjust your care: Based on your assessment, adjust watering, humidity, and light conditions accordingly.
Why is my English ivy turning brown?
One primary cause for English Ivy to develop brown leaves is overwatering. We often overwater the plant without knowing whether the plant is ready for watering yet. English Ivy can’t tolerate soggy soil. If the soil becomes soggy and your Ivy starts looking dull, you are overwatering it.
Why does poison ivy itch at night?
When you get exposed to poison ivy, the allergen chemical urushiol stick to your body. And when you go to bed it spreads on the sheet and other body parts causing itchiness.
Why do ivy leaves turn yellow and brown?
Without moisture and nutrients, the ivy leaves turn yellow and brown, and the plant can die. Let’s think about how Ivy grows in the wild.
Do English ivy leaves turn brown?
When you see that your English ivy leaves are turning brown, your first thought might be to get rid of the ugly leaves right away. However, it’s best not to trim away more than one-third of the plant at once. Here are some tips for handling those crispy leaves:
Why are my Ivies turning brown?
Plants put up these signs when they need help, like when leaves dry out, turn brown, or fall off. But MANY things (and a combination of things) can cause ivies to freak out and produce brown leaves. Plants can get too much of a good thing: too much water, fertilizer, or sun.
How do I Keep my English ivy from turning brown?
It will get rid of any dust that has built up on the leaves and also make the air more humid. Rinsing down your plant will instantly increase the humidity and prevent any more brown leaf tips on your English Ivy. Use lukewarm water at low pressure so you don’t damage, shock or burn the leaves and vines.