Red Spots on English Ivy

Bacterial Leaf Spot

• Bacterial leaf spot (Xanthomonas hederae) is a disease of English ivies most commonly found in greenhouses, according to the West Virginia University Extension Service. Bacteria diseases infect English ivy through wounds, pest damage, or pathogens in the soil or air. As bacteria spread and grow, they create spots on the leaves leading to further infections in other plants. Pruning damaged portions controls bacterial leaf spot. Keep the growing conditions clean.

Scab

• Scab leaf spot (Sphaceloma hederae) is a fungal disease. Affected leaves have spots with white or gray centers and reddish borders. As scab leaf spot progresses, the spots may merge with one another and cover the entire leaf. Scab kills leaves in time, especially if left untreated. Control scab leaf spot with fungicide sprays and remove severely damaged or dead leaves. Prune and remove dead vines.

Colletotrichum Leaf Spot

• Colletotrichum leaf spot (Colletotrichum trichellum) creates brown or reddish brown dry spots on the leaves. These spots feel dead to the touch and often begin at the leaf edges, according to the University of Illinois Extension. Pruning severely damaged leaves stops the fungus from maturing. If left untreated, colletotrichum leaf spot causes the leaves to drop.

Controlling Fungal Diseases

• Although pruning and fungicides help control fungal diseases, these do not prevent the diseases from returning the following spring. Dead and damaged vines allow fungi to overwinter, which leads to repeat infections in the spring. Removing all old growth, dead leaves and fallen debris from the growing area each spring is essential to limiting disease transmission. Thick stands of growth are more likely to contract diseases. Prune and thin English ivy beds each year.