The Holly and the Ivy
By Lisa King
Let's talk ivy. Ivy rings, ivy trees, ivy covered animal forms and even plain pots of ivy plants. Many of us like to decorate with fresh live ivy plants but, how do you keep ivy alive and looking good indoors?
Ivy plants are more susceptible to spider mites especially indoors during the winter months. Care must be taken to insure that you keep your ivy clean to prevent spider mite attack. Unfortunately spider mites are very small insects and very difficult to see initially. When you do see the mites, usually you are seeing the webbing that results from spider mite infestation. It is easy to see the results of spider mite attacks. The plant may appear wilted with pale green leaves or spotted dried up leaves.
You can prevent a spider mite invasion by keeping your ivy plants clean. This isn't hard to do and a little bit of preventative maintenance may result in a longer healthier life for your ivy. Take a quart of water and mix in a teaspoon of dishwashing detergent such as Dawn or Ivory Liquid. Mix the solution thoroughly then spray on the ivy plants leaves. Literally give the plant a "hairwash." Rub the solution on the ivy leaves, wait a few minutes then rinse with tap water. Your ivy plant is clean! Try to do this at least once a month - every two weeks would be better especially during the winter months. Ivy plants kept indoors during the winter when air is dry and humidity low are especially prone to spider mite attack.
Ivy plants are wonderful ways to decorate indoors or outdoors. They'll enhance your living environment year around. Just give them a little extra TLC.
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