I bought two gorgeous ivies yesterday - yellow ripple and "silver dollar" (not sure that's the right name.) When I left the store, it was suddenly very blustery and 28 degrees - they definitely took a hit. (I only walked to the car and then to the house -but a total of about 5 minutes out there, I'd say.) On top of that, our house was hot last night b/c the baby's room is freezing so there's dry heat blasting all over the place. Today they look terrible. Just terrible. :( I pruned off all of the wilted leaves, misted them, and let them alone...but each time I pass by there are more miserable-looking leaves. Should I feed them? The soil is still moist, so I haven't watered them. Do you think they'll recover?? I'm heartbroken. Thanks, Jude
The dry heat is probably a lot more responsible than 5 mins of cold. Use a humidity tray (misting's a waste of time) with a wide tray of water and stones the pot can sit on - never, ever touching the water tho', and keep them out of bright light. Give them time to recover. You can 'wash' the foliage (on its side) to prevent spider mites (rampant with ivies) and check for them regularly. Keep the soil relatively dry between waterings.
they like humidity .. and also dont worry about the loss of leaves.. new vines will grow from were ya lost them .. and make sure it is not sitting in a drafty place in the house .. Marn
I've got them hanging - no surface space for a humidity tray. I'll run the humidifer in the vicinity - that should help, right? I've also got three big plants right next to each other, so that might help a little too? (Of course, if spider mites show up that'll be a major pain!) Should I wash them even if there's no sign of mites yet? (I'll admit I'm not quite sure how to wash a plant, especially one with a million small leaves...I'm a little intimidated! :)) Thanks much! Jude
I wouldnt worry too much, Ivies are tough plants, sounds like they are ajusting to a different environment, like marn said they should soon start to recover.........as for the spider mite, they like warm and dry, at the risk of offending Rima, i'd say give them a spray, not much difference between a good soaking with a spray and a wash o.O Take it easy and dont worry :)
Thank you all very much! I'm new at this and they're just so lovely...I lost an ivy when I first started (to mites) because I didn't know better. And then I lost 2 dracs to the cold while I was away....so now I panic easily. :) I'm running the humidifier just as an extra boost, but I will stop worrying and trust them to recover. Thanks again, Jude
P.S. I do find that misting my ivies every day has helped to keep the mites away. I know a tray would be better, but it does seem this is better than nothing. :)
It may keep the mites away, but will do nothing for humidity... beyond the 5 mins. after it's done. Honestly!
but misting is better then nothing ... like they said it is hanging so it is hard to use a humidity tray .. Marn
You're right, I suppose... BTW, I mentioned washing periodically, but didn't realize your plants were in baskets! Hose them down occasionally if you have a kitchen sink sprayer, or even a hand held shower head.
