Can I just cut off the infested leaves?

You can remove heavily damaged leaves, but the mites are likely on the stems and other leaves too. You must treat the whole plant to stop them.

Will my other plants get spider mites?

Yes, spider mites travel easily between plants. Isolate your ivy until you are sure the infestation is gone.

Why are there tiny webs on my English Ivy? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves with a magnifying glass.
Look for fine webbing near the leaf nodes.
Check if the air around the plant feels very dry.

Likely causes

Spider Mites
Most likely
How to tell: You will see fine, silky webbing between stems and tiny yellow or white dots on the leaf surface. The leaves may eventually look dull or bronzed.
What to do: Wash the plant thoroughly in a shower or sink with lukewarm water to dislodge the mites. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days for three weeks to kill any remaining eggs.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The plant looks stressed and dry, making it a prime target for mite infestations. Ivy prefers higher humidity than most homes provide.
What to do: Mist the foliage daily or place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water. Keep the plant away from heating vents or radiators.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your english ivy

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If you see heavy webbing covering the entire plant, it is a severe infestation that requires immediate treatment. A few mites are manageable, but they spread quickly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your ivy clean by wiping leaves with a damp cloth and maintain consistent humidity levels.

English Ivy: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your english ivy and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I just cut off the infested leaves?: You can remove heavily damaged leaves, but the mites are likely on the stems and other leaves too. You must treat the whole plant to stop them.
Will my other plants get spider mites?: Yes, spider mites travel easily between plants. Isolate your ivy until you are sure the infestation is gone.

Guides to these causes

Spider Mites

Why are there tiny webs on my English Ivy?