Sun scorch
Dry, bleached-to-brown patches on the side facing a hot window are sunburn.
Diagnosis
Sun scorch
What's happening
English Ivy is built for the dappled shade of a forest floor or a north-facing wall, not harsh direct sun through glass. Strong rays scorch the leaf tissue, leaving dry, faded, brown patches that don't recover — usually worst on the leaves nearest the window.
How to fix it
Move the plant back from the window or to a spot with bright, indirect light, or soften the harsh sun with a sheer curtain. The scorched patches won't turn green again, so trim badly damaged leaves at the stem for a tidier look. New growth will come in healthy once the plant is out of the direct rays.
What fixes it
- A full-spectrum LED grow light — If that hot window was the only bright spot, a grow light gives ivy even, gentle light without the scorching.
If that doesn't fix it
This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.
Read the full English Ivy care guide →
Reviewed June 2026 · how we check this