What to Do With an Over-Watered Ivy?

Ivy plants, such as English ivy (Hedera helix) and devil's ivy (Epipremnum aureum) may show signs of being waterlogged. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 and 10 through 12, respectively, even garden and easy to grow indoor plants can suffer from overwatering. As long as rot has not destroyed the roots, you can rescue your ivy and continue to grow a healthy plant.


Rescuing your overwatered ivy requires drying out the soil, reducing watering and in house plants, repotting. If root rot hasn't set in, you can baby your plant back to good health.

Drain the Soil

Over-watering a plant can smother the roots and compact the soil. Too much water also attracts pests that invade the plant's leaves, stems or roots. In the garden, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln recommends improving drainage in heavy or compacted soils by digging in 2 to 3 inches of compost. You can also install a swale or dry creek to carry away excess water.

When a potted plant shows signs of overwatering, such as ivy leaves dry and crispy, move the plant to the sink, turn the pot on its side and allow any standing water to drain from the soil. Keep the pot in the sink or on the drain board for at least 24 hours.

If the soil is not soggy after draining and there are no signs of pests or disease, place the ivy back in the growing space. Don't water again until the top 2 inches of the soil is dry or the leaves wilt slightly. The normal watering schedule for an ivy plant is dictated by the species, size of the plant, the ambient temperature, exposure to light and the existing moisture in the soil. Ivies that are in shaded areas need less water and grow slower than those in bright light.

Improve Water Drainage

The first response to the growth and wilting problem is often to feed a water-soluble fertilizer. This compounds the problem. Instead, consider improving drainage. Outside, you may have to dig up some of the ivy, improve the soil with compost or by installing raised beds, then replanting the ivy in the new, well-drained garden bed.

A fast way to improve drainage in decorative pots that do not have drainage holes is to drill a few 1/2-inch holes into the bottom of the pot. If you do not have access to a drill or the pot may be damaged in the process, do not add gravel or pebbles, as this will retain moisture in the soil. Simply leave a 2-inch space between the top of the soil line and the pot. Water the top of the soil to the pot rim. Do not water again until the top 2 inches of soil are dry.

Repot the Plant

Drastic measures are needed when the soil is a pile of mud or the ivy shows signs of severe water damage. You should immediately lift the ivy from the pot and remove the soil from around the plant roots. Wipe off as much of the muddy soil as possible. Check the drainage holes and remove any clogging debris.

If there are no drainage holes, consider repotting into a new pot with drain holes. Fill the pot with a potting soil that is designed for ivies, such as equal portions of compost, peat moss and perlite or coarse sand. Replant the ivy at the same depth as it was previously planted.

An ivy plant that grows in a clay pot requires more water because the pot absorbs water from the soil. Root-bound plants or those with a large root ball have higher water requirements than a small ivy in a large pot. A good rule of thumb is to water the plant until a small amount of water seeps from the bottom of the pot, according to the American Ivy Society. Do not water again until the soil is almost dry.

Root Rot in English Ivy

To avoid root rot when growing ivy, check the soil moisture before watering. In the garden, apply 1 to 2 inches of water weekly. Indoor plants should be watered when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. If the roots are severely damaged by rot, it's often better to take healthy cuttings and start new plants in fresh potting soil.

Another issue is toxicity. The North Carolina Extension warns that both English ivy and devil's ivy are poisonous to cats, dogs, horses and humans. They cause gastric distress and skin irritation. Keep the plants out of reach of children and pets and wear safety goggles and gloves when repotting.

In addition, the California Invasive Plant Council points out that English ivy is an invasive species and should be avoided when selecting ground covers. It's better grown as a house plant.