What's eating my hedera colchica?

Persian ivy is most commonly attacked by vine weevil grubs underground and spider mites on foliage during hot, dry spells. Aphids colonise soft shoot tips in spring, and armoured scale insects build up on older stems. Outdoors, slugs and snails will graze young growth near the base.

C-shaped white grubs devour roots causing sudden wilting and plant collapse; notched leaf margins indicate adult feeding at night Apply nematode drench (Steinernema kraussei) in late summer or early autumn when soil is above 5 °C; use sticky barrier tape around containers

Fine pale stippling on upper leaf surface, webbing on undersides in hot dry conditions, leaves eventually bronzed and dropped Increase humidity and spray foliage forcefully with water; apply predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis or a suitable acaricide in persistent cases

Colonies on soft shoot tips causing distorted, curled new leaves; honeydew promotes black sooty mould Blast off with a strong water jet; encourage ladybirds and lacewings; treat heavy infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil

Brown or white waxy bumps along stems and midribs; sticky honeydew and sooty mould on leaves beneath Scrub off with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; apply horticultural oil when crawlers are active in late spring