How To Propagate Ivy – Best Methods For Success

How To Propagate Ivy – Easy, Expert Tips For Success

If you have questions about how to propagate ivy, we’ll try to help. English ivy is a pretty plant but sometimes controversial when used in gardens. Considered invasive in many areas, ivy grows readily outdoors, taking over native plants, climbing up trees, and attaching roots to homes and walls. Indoors, an English ivy can make a lovely houseplant with vines that spill out of the container. Knowing how to propagate English ivy allows you to enjoy more houseplants or to share your favorite with friends.

Best Ways to Propagate Ivy

You can choose from a couple of different English ivy propagation methods. If you have an outdoor plant, layering is an easy way to encourage new root growth. Press vines into moist soil, and roots will develop at the nodes. You can then remove and repot the vines.

Rooting stem cuttings is the best method for propagating ivy from indoor houseplants. You can also root a houseplant outdoors by layering in summer.

When to Propagate Ivy

If you are propagating outdoor ivy by layering, you’ll need to do it when soil conditions are right, usually in spring and summer. The soil should be workable and the plant growing for it to work.

For houseplants, propagate by cutting at any time of year. The best time is when the plant is resting after an active growth spurt, but you should be able to get roots at any time.

How to Propagate Ivy

To propagate by layering, press a vine into moist soil. Use wire staples to hold the vine in place in the soil. Keep the soil moist for several weeks to allow roots to grow at the nodes. When propagating a houseplant this way, take it outdoors and sink it into the soil, then press the vines into the ground.

Once roots have formed at the nodes, you can remove the vine, cut it into pieces, and repot them. There are some risks to rooting this way with a houseplant. Most importantly, you risk bringing pests indoors. Check the cuttings carefully for insects before repotting.

To propagate by stem cutting, make a clean sharp cut just below a node. The cutting should be 3 to 5 inches (7.6 to 12.7 cm) long. Remove leaves from the bottom of the cutting so that you have at least an inch (2.5 cm) of bare stem and at least two leaves at the top.

Place the cut end of the stem in a moist rooting medium. Coarse sand or perlite are good options. Place the container in bright but indirect light and keep the medium moist. You can cover it with plastic wrap to help keep moisture in. You should have roots in one to two months when you can safely repot the cutting.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can You Root Ivy Cuttings in Water?

Yes, you can also root ivy cuttings in water. Use about three inches (7.6 cm) of water and be sure that no leaves are below the water line. Ivy cuttings rooted in water will not develop small root hairs. The plants need these little roots to absorb water and nutrients from soil. If you root cuttings in water, transfer them to a soilless medium to develop root hairs before making a final transplant to potting soil.

Can You Put Ivy Cuttings Straight Into Soil?

Yes, you can root cuttings in potting soil, but there are some risks. Soil becomes waterlogged more easily and doesn’t drain as well as soilless medium. This can prevent air and oxygen from getting to newly developing roots.