Seeing your English Ivy drooping can be frustrating, especially if you’re unsure what’s causing it. There are a few possible reasons for this problem, but don’t despair – there are also solutions!
In this article, we’ll explore the most common causes of dropping English Ivy and some tips on how to fix the issue.
Common Causes of Drooping English Ivy
One of the most common problems with English ivy is that it can start to droop and look unhealthy.
So, why is my English Ivy drooping?
There are a few different reasons why this might happen, so it’s important to understand the causes to keep your plant looking its best.
Watering Issues
One of the most common reasons your English ivy (Hedera helix) might be drooping is due to water issues:
Underwatering
Underwatering is one of the most common causes of drooping English ivy. If your plant is not getting enough water, its leaves will start to droop and turn brown.
The best way to fix this problem is to water your plant more frequently. You can also try misting it with water or using a humidifier to increase the humidity around it.
If you think your plant is suffering from underwatering, the first thing you should do is check the soil. If it feels dry to the touch, your plant needs more water. Water your plant until the soil is moist but not soggy. Be sure to drain any excess water from the pot so the roots don’t start to rot.
If you’re still having trouble getting your plant to perk up, you can try giving it a light fertilizer. This will help it to get the nutrients it needs to stay healthy. Just be sure to use a fertilizer specifically made for English ivy.
Overwatering
If you’re like most gardeners, you probably water your plants regularly. But did you know that overwatering is one of the most common causes of drooping English ivy?
Overwatering can cause the leaves of your ivy to turn yellow and drop off, leading to root rot. Look at the soil if you think you may be overwatering your ivy. Is it soggy or wet? If so, it’s time to cut back on the watering.
Instead, water your ivy deeply but less often. Allow the soil to dry out in between watering, and ensure that the pot has drainage holes so that excess water can escape. It would help if you also fertilized your ivy regularly to help it stay healthy and green.
Wrong lighting
If your Ivy looks a little limp, it could be due to the lighting. While English Ivy prefers bright, indirect sunlight, too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch. Move your plant to a spot that gets plenty of light but isn’t in direct sun, and see if that helps perk it up.
Other possible causes of drooping English Ivy include overwatering, underwatering, or pests. If you suspect any of these, check your plant carefully and take appropriate action. With a little TLC, you should be able to get your English Ivy looking lush and healthy again in no time!
UnfavorableTemperatures
When the temperatures drop too low, English ivy can start to wilt and droop. This is because the plant is not used to the colder weather and needs some time to adjust. If you see your English ivy drooping, try moving it to a warmer spot in your home or office.
You can also try using a heat lamp to help make the transition easier for the plant. Once the temperatures rise again, your English ivy should recover and start to look normal.
If you live in an area that experiences extreme weather conditions, it is important to take extra care of your English ivy.
Make sure to bring the plant indoors when it gets cold and keep an eye on the temperature inside your home. You may need to adjust the thermostat to ensure your English ivy stays healthy.
Low Humidity Levels
Low humidity levels are the most common reasons for drooping English ivy. If the air around your plant is too dry, the leaves will start to droop and curl to conserve moisture.
There are a few ways to increase the humidity around your English ivy. One is to place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water. The water will evaporate and help raise the plant’s humidity levels. Another way is to use a humidifier in the plant’s room.
If you live in a particularly dry climate, you may need to take extra measures to keep your English ivy healthy.
Fertilization Issues
One of the most common reasons English ivy plants droop is fertilization issues. If your plant is not getting enough nutrients, it will start to wilt and droop.
Overfertilization
If your English ivy is drooping, it could be due to overfertilization. This is a common problem when people try to fertilize their plants too often or use too much fertilizer.
Overfertilization can cause the leaves of your English ivy to turn yellow and drop off. It can also make the plant more susceptible to pests and diseases.
If you think your English ivy is overfertilized, stop fertilizing it immediately. Flush the soil with water to remove excess fertilizer and let the plant dry out completely. Once the plant has recovered, start fertilizing it again, but follow the directions on the fertilizer label carefully.
Under fertilization
Is your English ivy (Hedera helix) looking less than perky? If its leaves are drooping and generally look unhealthy, it might be due to under-fertilization.
Like all plants, English ivy needs nutrients to thrive. If it’s not getting enough, it will show signs of distress. The good news is that this problem is usually easy to fix with a little extra fertilizer.
Repotting Shock
Repotting Shock occurs when the plant is moved from one pot to another or transplanted into the ground. The roots are disturbed, and the plant doesn’t have enough time to adjust to its new environment. As a result, the leaves start to droop and turn yellow.
If you think your English ivy is suffering from repotting shock, you can do a few things to help it recover. First, ensure the pot has drainage holes so the roots don’t sit in water.
Second, water the plant regularly, but don’t over-water it. Third, give it some time to adjust to its new home. With a little patience, your English ivy should bounce back quickly.
Pest Infestations
Pest infestations are one of the most common causes of drooping English ivy. If you notice your plant’s leaves turning brown and falling off, it is likely due to pests. Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are all common culprits.
To eliminate these pests, start by spraying your plant with water. This will dislodge some of the insects and make them easier to spot. Then, use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining insects.
You can also try using an organic insecticide such as neem oil. If the infestation is severe, you may need to dispose of the affected leaves and stems.
Should You Cut the Drooping Leaves on English Ivy?
If you have an English ivy (Hedera helix) plant, you may have noticed that the leaves sometimes droop down and look a bit sad. You might wonder if you should cut off these drooping leaves or if they’ll eventually snap back on their own.
Here’s the deal: English ivy is a resilient plant that can withstand much abuse. So, go ahead if you want to tidy up your plant by snipping off the drooping leaves! Your plant will be just fine.
Trimming off the occasional droopy leaf can be good for your English ivy. It allows the plant to focus its energy on growing new, healthy leaves instead of trying to revive the droopy ones.
So, the next time you see a droopy leaf on your English ivy, give it a snip. Your plant will thank you!

Are Drooping Leaves a Serious Issue for English Ivy?
Drooping leaves on English ivy (Hedera helix) plants is not a serious issue. The leaves will often perk up after the plant receives adequate hydration. However, if the leaves remain limp and droopy, it could signify a more serious problem, such as root rot or a nutrient deficiency.
If you suspect your English ivy plant is suffering from root rot, it is important to act immediately. Root rot is a serious condition that can quickly kill a plant. If you see any signs of root rot, such as brown, black, or mushy roots, you should remove the affected roots and replant the ivy in a fresh, sterile potting mix.
If your English ivy is not suffering from root rot, but the leaves are still drooping, it is likely due to a lack of water or nutrients. Make sure to water your ivy regularly and fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
Our Final Thoughts
English ivy is a beautiful and popular houseplant, but it can be tricky to keep alive. However, with a few simple tips, you can help your English ivy stay healthy and lush. Follow these guidelines to give your English ivy the best chance at thriving in your home. Have you ever had to deal with an English ivy droop? What was the cause? Let us know in the comments!
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Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.