Question
QUESTION: Hi Melissa,
I had this ivy plant for long-long time and it used to be fine. Since I moved, it's agonizing. The leaves are browning and falling, a sticky substance is coating some of them. I can't see any insects with my bare eye, though. I feel like cutting all the growth and getting it to grow again, as I did years ago, when it was invaded by mealy bugs. But now, I understand that the roots might be rotting from excessive watering. And some more: the spot where it is it's by a door giving to the fire escape. That door we open pretty often and the cold draft is coming directly on the plant. I don't know what to do. My new apartment is much smaller and doesn't have such good light (West!!!) Please help!
Anca

ANSWER: Dear Anca, You probably have several problems going on with this one plant.  First, the sticky substance coating them might be an indication of scale, which would appear as small bumps along the stems or leaves.  To get rid of that you should spray with a horticultural oil (SunSpray is the best) and it will smother the bugs.  You would have to spray it several times ab out 7 to 10 days apart to completely kill them.  Also, the cold draft directly on the plant will definitely make almost any plant unhappy.  Most ivies do well in moderate light so you could simply have it on a table with a table lamp and that might be enough.  Then for the last issue, the overwatering, you should probably water when the plant is almost completely dry, then water thoroughly, and if the plant is in a saucer, be sure to discard any unused water from the saucer.  Try these methods and see if your ivy perks up.  You might also want to cut it back some to allow for new fresh growth.  Good luck, and let me know if you need further assistance.  Melissa

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Melissa,
Thank you for your answer. I am going to do all the spraying after April 17, when I come back from a trip. I mean the rest of the plants that I know for sure are affected. As to the ivy, it was almost bald and, knowing that I'm going away, I took a decisive action: after taking two cuts from the parts that still looked healthy, I cut back all the old growth and uprooted the plant. I washed the roots, and replanted them in completely new potting soil and cleaned up pot. I watered thoroughly, leaving the water drain in the sink, and put the plant on the window sill. The light there comes from the West, but for now the sun is not too strong, and there are no leaves to be burnt, so I'll leave it there until it starts to regrow, if ever. Sorry I couldn't wait for your answer, but, because of my going away, i was in kind of a rush. What do you think? Years ago, I did the same think, when it was infested with mealy bugs, and it regrew beautifully. The only thing now is that the roots seemed really thin, almost like hair. I wonder if they still have enough strength. This plant is maybe 23 years old and I love it.
Thank you.

Anca

Answer
Dear Anca, I think your solution was absolutely perfect - exactly what I would do.  Sorry I was so late getting back to you, I just got a new computer and it took some time to get it set up and I just got it back yesterday.  You took drastic measures which are often much more helpful than attempting a cautious approach.  Your plant will probably benefit from the radical pruning.  Also, since ivies are often prone to spider mites, test for this by taking a leaf and holding it over a sheet of white paper, tap sharply and see if anything falls onto the paper and moves around.  If you see anything moving then you also have spider mites which can be controlled by spraying with Triple Action Plus by Fertilome.  I mention this because spider mites are opportunists that attack vulnerable plants and often go unnoticed because they are so small.  Anyway sorry for the delay and I hope your plant improves.  Good luck, Melissa