I think this condition happens to everyone, just with different plants. Mine are the spider plant and the pothos variety - everyone goes on about how easy they are, but not for me!

As for ivies, you'd hate to hear my stories. I've overwintered them to plant out the next summer, usually taking cuttings in the fall. Last fall I ran out of time, so I just ripped the very bushy single stemmed ivy out of it's pot (dirt flying everywhere), took the scissors and clipped the 12" length roots down to about 3" to fit in my little clay pot (limited for space here) kept in a bright spot without watering for 3 or 4 days, watered well and stuck in the south window to grow grow grow. Soon it will be time to clip off some cuttings, and I've got a well established momma plant to put out to.

I have an orchid that did not bloom for 4 years straight, so I made the decision to 'chuck' it, and thought about it hard for several days (since it was a gift - and I always feel bad giving up on a gifted plant). Set my mind and set about to do it, and as I am walking to the garbage can my eye catches something, what is this? New root? NO! This could be a spike! So I gave it another week to prove itself and yes, it was a spike and it's been in bloom for nearly 2 months, so it gets to stay.

Maybe try some evil thoughts with your ivies, let them know they have to earn their keep, no free ride. Worked for my phal orchid and me!

Certain plants when put outdoors for the summer can fall to pieces when brought back indoors for the winter simply because of the huge change in light and humidity.
Ivies are also know for getting spidermites, that's why I don't buy them anymore but I do really like them.

When you bring your ivy in for the winter, try putting them in a cooler room vs a warmer one, a room that's above 50 degrees. Try a pebble tray, or maybe even a terrarium with the top off, or part way off because you don't want it too wet in there, just enough to keep it humid.

I keep a handful of plants that summer outdoors every year in a cool room during winter. A sago palm, a couple citrus trees and a couple other plants, otherwise, the plants would start to look awful and the citrus would definitely shed their leaves until they were bald!

Billy Rae

I have an Oak leaf Ivy. Bright defused light, moist soil. That's it. It's a pretty undemanding plant. I have to prune it now and then to shorten it a bit is all.

Yup, cooler and drier will work, but not overly bright.

Don't discount Dane's warning about spider mites. Ivies are the first plants to get 'em, and after twice having them show up infested (even though they hadn't been outdoors), I took them off my collectible list. If you're seeing little or no new growth and a slow drying and withering of the leaves, you're probably looking at spider mite stricken plants.

Here is a link that might be useful: my website

That's right....spider mites always eventually cause my
ivies to dry up. Took me a long time to realize what the problem was....underneath the leaves. A systemic in
the soil might help and be sure spray the backside of the
leaves

If you have a semi-unheated porch or cool room, your ivy should do fine.
Keep ivy as cool as possible..if you live in a cold=climate area, any window in winter will do. If the ivy is variegated, a north window isn't advisable. If possible, set outdoors in spring through late fall..Mist leaves daily, and shower once a week..Soaking leaves in a sink filled w/soapy water helps a lot. No fertilizer in winter..
I agree ivy is prone to mites, but with a little effort, any Hedera can grow indoors..that is, unless, every available room is heated higher than 70-72F degrees, no humidifer is used, and misting/showering isn't done. If the last 3 suggestions can't be met, most likly, those sneaky mites will find a way to a plant..Toni

I meant to say, Ivy's should be misted and showered..Sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound like misting and showering were NOT to be done..they should be done..Toni

Wow! What wonderful information! I know now what I am doing wrong. I took the plants in directly to the warm house. I do mist my plants, although not regularly. I didn't realize that these should be kept in a cooler place.
I do have a systemic that I could be using also. I just have never seen any evidence. But it sounds like it may be hard to see.

Thanks everyone! Next year I will succeed!
(If not - always a good reason to go plant shopping!)

MonaRae

Mona, if an ivy is placed away from artificial heat) misted/showered regularly, chances of mites lessen.
I know ppl use insecticides as preventatives, but there's natural ways to keep pests at bay..(I have birds, so can't use poisons) Misting w/soapy water, or taking a plant to the kitchen sink, soaking, is a great preventative. It also gives you a chance to look a plant over, inspect for ungodly bugs..
One thing I enjoy about taking plants to the sink is finding something new..like a flower, or new growth..(not that ivy flowers)
Mona, I'm assuming you plan on buying another ivy,,,right? LOL..they love a summer outdoors..keep it outside just before first frost..find an indoor spot that's cooler. If an ivy is hanging before a heating source, problems arise..So find a spot away from a vent, etc. I often wonder if ivy needs much humidity..perhaps fresh, circulating air is more important. Well, good luck, don't give up..Toni