Pocket BotanistCheck 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 likelyHow 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
PossibleHow 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.
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.
Not sure which one it is? Photograph your english ivy.
This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are 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.
More problems with English Ivy
This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.