What might be killing ivy I have in a big pot outside?

Question

40 gallon pot containing ivy at the base of a 4 ft cedar tree
lots of natural light and plenty of water -- good drainage
no signs of webbing, bugs or mold
ivy is dying fairly rapidly - turning brown and drying out

Answer 1

Hi. Two theories:

1 - Black scale
Symptoms: In hot weather, new leaves appear slightly wilted, even though the roots have adequate water. Leaves may yellow and drop. Tiny dark bumps appear on new growth.
About Black Scale: Black scale are tiny, stationary insects that suck juices from the stems and leaf undersides of plants. The species that attacks ivy is most prevalent in warm climates and can kill a planting in a single season.
Solution: Treat plants with appropriate insecticidal sprays.
*Spray infested plants with light horticultural oil to smother scale, following directions.
*If the plant continues to show damage during the summer, spray oil again in winter to kill overwintering scale.
*In early summer, thoroughly coat the plant with insectididal soap or use pyrethrum, a botanical insectidcide, to kill new hatchlings. Follow label directions carefully.


2 - Bacterial Leaf Spot
Symptoms: Follwing the appearance of angular brown of black leaf spots, ivy stems blacken and die. Major leafy stems, rather than a few scattered leaves, exhibit symptoms.
About Bacterial Leaf Spot: Bacterial leaf spot is most common when the weather is warm and humid. The bacteria enter ivy through pruning cuts or other injuries and can be spread from plant to plant by splashing water. When this disease infects stems, it is often called twig blight.
Solution: Remove diseased growth. Use fungicides to treat the infection. Fertilize and prune plants regularly to remove damaged or diseased stems. Water properly and select resistant varieties.

Hope this helps! =o)

Answer 2

Cat pee. They're marking their territory, and you'd be surprised how many cats will pass through your garden at night when you are asleep and it's quiet.

There also may be a total lack of nutrients left in the soil that it's sitting in. Try some Miracle Gro when you have sorted the cat-pee problem.

Answer 3

Could be vine weevils. You will need to check the Ivy roots. If they have been eaten, look for the grubs and kill them quickly!

Answer 4

Local neighborhood dogs marking their territory?

Answer 5

Maybe a cat or squirrel is using your flower for a potty.

Answer 6

Could be slugs. They are a pain. Try some slug pellets.

Answer 7

the problem could be in your soil. you may need to fertilze or transplant with better, fertilized soil or larger pot.

Answer 8

It needs to be trimmed.