Quick question about ivy turning yellow

[zakatak]

I have a small IVY plant (from Walmart, lol) that I bought last spring. It really took off once I repotted it and is about 3 foot long now with three "branches". It has been doing really well until lately... some of it's bigger leaves have turned yellow. Does anyone know why? Is it natural for this time of the year? I still have it in indirect southern light (solar south) and am watering regularly. We did just get a woodstove so the house is warm (77-80 ) on most days but we have a humidifier running with it.

Any ideas? Is it normal?

Oh, and exactly how poisonous is it to my cat (5 months old)? He likes to chase the ends of the branches (hard to keep a 3 foot long plant out of his reach without attaching it to the ceiling, lol) but I haven't seen him eat the leaves.

Thanks!

Karen

 

[marydmjj]

I'm not positive but I think it is natural at this time of the year for the bigger leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. I would trim them off to keep it looking nice. No idea on the poison factor for kitty.

 

[Snowwark]

Hi Karen!

You may want to keep the ivy out of your kitty's reach, if possible.

Here's a bit of info.

~English ivy (Hedera helix) is an indoor and outdoor ornamental vine. This plant contains saponins, which have caused poisoning in cattle, dogs, sheep, and humans. Two chemicals in the sap can also cause severe contact dermatitis in sensitive humans. Cases of poisoning are found in older European literature; the plant grows naturally in Europe. Cattle that ingested large quantities of the vines were ill for a few days. Humans who ingested the berries have shown symptoms, including coma. Dermatitis is rare but can be severe. Weeping lesions and blisters respond slowly to treatment (Cooper and Johnson 1984, Massmanian et al. 1980). Family pets should not be allowed to eat English ivy leaves.~

 

[zakatak]

Thanks!

Karen

 

[nativetxn]

I had no idea that English ivy was toxic to pets Great info, Kim, thanks!