Underwatering

What's happening

English Ivy likes its soil to stay lightly moist, not to dry out completely. When the soil bakes dry, the plant can't keep its foliage hydrated, so leaves shrivel, brown, and drop — often starting at the ends of the trailing stems and working back, while the soil pulls away from the side of the pot.

How to fix it

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. If the soil is so dry the water runs straight through without soaking in, bottom-water instead: set the pot in a few inches of water for 20–30 minutes, then let it drain fully. Going forward, check the soil weekly and water once the top inch is dry — ivy is far happier evenly moist than left to dry to a crisp.

This is general guidance based on common symptoms; individual plants vary.