Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Smell the soil for a foul or swampy odor.
- Gently pull the plant out to inspect the root color.
- Ensure the pot has holes at the bottom.
Likely causes
Poor Drainage
Most likelyHow to tell: The plant wilts despite having wet soil, and the roots look brown or mushy.
What to do: Trim away all mushy, dark roots with sterilized shears. Repot the plant into fresh, well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes.
Overwatering
Most likelyHow to tell: The soil smells sour or musty, and the leaves are turning yellow or black.
What to do: Stop watering until the top inch of soil is dry. In the future, only water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
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.
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When to worry
If the roots are mostly black and slimy, the plant is likely beyond saving. If you see some firm, white roots, there is a good chance for recovery.
Stopping it coming back
Always use a well-draining potting mix and never let the pot sit in a saucer of standing water.
Keep your english ivy healthy from here
Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.
Questions people ask
- Can I reuse the old soil?
- No, discard the old soil as it likely contains the fungi that caused the rot. Use fresh, sterile potting mix for repotting.
- How often should I water to avoid rot?
- Water every 5 to 10 days, but always check the soil first. If it still feels damp, wait a few more days.
More problems with English Ivy
- Why are there tiny webs on my English Ivy?
- Why does my English Ivy have dark spots on its leaves?
- Why are the tips of my English Ivy turning brown?
- Why are my English Ivy leaves turning yellow?
- Why is my English Ivy dropping leaves?
- Why is my English Ivy getting so long and leggy?
- Why is my English Ivy drooping?
- Why are my English Ivy leaves curling?
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.