Some of my English ivy is great. Other areas leaves are turning yellow. How do i treat this?

Some of my English ivy is great. Other areas leaves are turning yellow. How do i treat this?

Some of my English ivy is great. Other areas leaves are turning yellow. How do i treat this?

Hello Karla,

I wish I had a magic bullet that could effectively answer your question.  The fact is, yellow leaves could be an indicator of too much water, or not enough, or it could be a fungus or a virus, or sunlight problems, or lack of specific minerals in the soil. It could even be indicative of some type of insect damage. And I realize all of this is not helpful at all. 

Since you have just a sporadic yellowing of leaves, I am inclined to think it is not a sun issue or even a water issue, as you would most likely see greater signs of stress and even more leaves yellowing.  I assume you are not fertilizing regularly, so it doesn't seem to be from too much of a good thing.  

So, I am inclined to think you have some type of mineral deficiency in the soil.  For example, it could be nitrogen, iron, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, or something undefined.  I would suggest  applying an all purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer to an area and see if in a few weeks you notice any difference.  If it appears to help, then consider fertilizing the entire area at least monthly through the growing season. 

Here is a great article on English ivy care and soil, light and watering needs.  

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/groundcover/english-ivy/english-ivy-plant-care.htm

Happy Summer,

Kathleen