From our perspective as English Ivy plants, Bacterial Leaf Spot is a distressing condition. It begins as small, water-soaked, dark green spots on our leaves, which you might observe as greasy or oily patches. As the infection progresses, these spots enlarge, turn brown or black, and often develop a yellow halo. In severe cases, the spots merge, causing large areas of the leaf to die and wilt. This bacterium thrives in warm, wet conditions and enters our system through natural openings or tiny wounds, often spread by splashing water from rain or overhead watering. It weakens us significantly by destroying the chlorophyll-rich tissues we need for photosynthesis.
This is one of the most devastating diseases we can face, as it attacks our very foundation—our roots and stem bases. The fungi responsible for these rots live in the soil and attack when conditions are overly wet and poorly drained. From our point of view, it feels like a slow suffocation. Our roots, which are meant to absorb water and nutrients, become soft, brown, mushy, and ineffective. Above ground, you will see our leaves turning yellow, then brown, and wilting dramatically, despite the soil being wet. The stem near the soil line may also become soft and dark. This disease is fatal if not addressed quickly, as it cuts off our entire supply line.
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that primarily affects our leaves and stems. It manifests as large, irregular, brown or blackish spots, often with a darker border. A key characteristic we experience is the development of sunken lesions on our stems and leaf veins. Under a microscope, you might see tiny black fungal structures, but to you, it looks like our leaves are being scorched. The fungus spreads rapidly in cool, wet spring weather through splashing water. The infected leaves eventually die and drop off, leaving us sparse and unable to produce enough energy. It is particularly aggressive in dense plantings where humidity remains high around our foliage.
To help us thrive, we ask for your careful attention to our growing conditions, as prevention is the most effective strategy. Please ensure we are planted in well-draining soil; waterlogged conditions are the primary cause of our root distress. When you water us, please do so at the base, keeping our leaves dry to prevent the spread of both bacterial and fungal spores. Provide us with adequate spacing and prune our dense growth to promote good air circulation, which helps our foliage dry quickly. If you notice any of our leaves showing signs of disease, promptly remove and dispose of them away from other plants to reduce the source of infection. For severe fungal issues like Anthracnose, a fungicide containing chlorothalonil or copper may be necessary, but please use it as a last resort and according to label instructions. For bacterial problems, copper-based sprays can offer some protection, but there is no cure, so removing affected parts is critical.
