Quck answer
To propagate ivy plants, follow these steps:
1. Choose a healthy ivy plant with long, trailing stems.
2. Cut a stem that is at least 6 inches long, making sure to have at least two leaves on it.
3. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few at the top.
4. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone.
5. Plant the stem in a pot filled with well-draining soil.
6. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a bright, indirect light location.
7. After a few weeks, roots should start to develop.
8. Once roots are established, transfer the new ivy plant to a larger pot or outdoor location.
By following these steps, you can easily propagate ivy plants and expand your collection.
Propagating ivy plants, especially English ivy (​Hedera helix​), is a simple process that involves rooting vines that touch the ground, known as layering. You can also grow ivy from seed or root cuttings. Although many plants with vines are commonly called ivies, only English ivy grows outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 9 or as a houseplant.
Since several types of ivy are invasive plants, it’s essential to propagate only non-invasive ivies unless you’re growing them in a pot or as a houseplant to prevent them from taking over your landscape.
Propagating Ivy Seeds
One way to propagate ivy plants is by using the seeds produced by English ivy. The blue-black berries of English ivy contain three to five fleshy seeds that are about 1/3 inch wide. Remove the pulp from the berries and store the seeds in the refrigerator for a month to improve their germination rate.
In the spring, after all danger of frost has passed, sow the seeds about 2/3 inch deep in a spot that gets six to eight hours of sun a day. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and the seeds should germinate in four to eight weeks.
Layering English Ivy
English ivy spreads naturally on the ground by layering, which is why it’s invasive. The pale green ivy runners or vines spread along the ground and climb walls and trees. You can propagate ivy plants by using this layering habit.
In summer, pin a runner to the ground with wire landscape staples or pieces of wire shaped into U’s. Keep the soil moist around the pinned runner, and roots will grow from the nodes. Cut 3-inch-long sections from the runner with a rooted node in the middle of each section using a sanitized knife. Dig up the rooted sections, plant them in a mix of 1 part peat moss and 1 part vermiculite, and water regularly. Use a pot with drainage holes for the ivy.
Rooting Ivy Cuttings
Take cuttings of English ivy in the spring or summer after it completes its growth to propagate ivy plants. Cut an ivy runner into 3-inch sections with a node in the middle of each section using a sharp, disinfected knife. Remove the leaves from the bottom 1 inch of the cutting, and bury it 1 inch deep in a growing flat or pot with holes in the bottom and filled with a mix of 1 part peat moss and 1 part vermiculite.
Place the flat or pot in a tray of water until the surface is moist, then allow it to drain. Cover the cuttings with burlap or cheesecloth, put them in indirect light and water regularly to keep them from drying out. The cuttings will begin to harden in about a week and root in one to two months.
Rooting Ivy in Water
Prepare the rooted cuttings in the same way as for rooting them in potting media. The difference is that you root the nodes in water, not potting media. Put the cuttings in 3 inches or less of water, and set them in indirect light or in a north-facing window.
The cuttings will develop roots, but not the necessary root hairs to absorb water from the soil. To encourage the growth of root hairs, place the cuttings with roots in a moist soilless mix and seal them inside a plastic bag to prevent the mix from drying out. After a few days, open the bag and the cuttings will have developed root hairs.
The Invasive Nature of Ivy
English ivy spreads naturally by layering along the forest floor, with vine nodes growing roots and more vines. The dense mats formed by the vines can suffocate other plants, making it classified as an invasive weed in many areas. If you don’t want ivy in your yard, it’s best to avoid propagating it, as it can destroy native habitats.
If you need to remove ivy from siding or other areas, try pulling it up by its roots first. If that doesn’t work, cut the ivy with a string trimmer and apply a 2 percent solution of the herbicide 2-4-D. Dilute the herbicide according to the label instructions, usually about 1 1/3 ounces of 2-4-D per gallon of water. Apply the herbicide with a backpack sprayer on a clear, windless day when the temperature is above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Always wear protective clothing and follow the safety instructions on the label.
FAQ
1. How do I propagate ivy plants?
To propagate ivy plants, you can use stem cuttings. Start by selecting a healthy and mature ivy plant. Take a cutting that is about 4-6 inches long, making sure it has at least two or three leaves. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm and bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. In a few weeks, roots should start forming, and you can transplant the new ivy plant into a larger pot or in the garden.
2. When is the best time to propagate ivy plants?
The best time to propagate ivy plants is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. This is when the plant is producing new growth and has enough energy to develop roots on the cuttings. Avoid propagating ivy plants during winter or when the plant is dormant, as it may not root successfully. Additionally, avoid propagating during periods of extreme heat, as the high temperatures can stress the cuttings and hinder root development.
3. Can I propagate ivy plants in water?
Yes, you can propagate ivy plants in water. Take a stem cutting as described earlier and place it in a container of water. Make sure that at least one or two nodes are submerged in water. Keep the container in a warm and bright location, changing the water every few days to prevent stagnation. After a few weeks, roots should start growing from the nodes. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot with well-draining soil.
4. How long does it take for ivy cuttings to root?
The time it takes for ivy cuttings to root can vary depending on various factors such as temperature, humidity, and the health of the cutting. Generally, it takes about 2-4 weeks for the cuttings to develop roots. However, it is important to note that some varieties of ivy may take longer to root than others. To ensure successful rooting, make sure to provide the cuttings with the right conditions, such as a warm and bright location, proper humidity levels, and well-draining soil.
5. Can I propagate ivy plants from seeds?
While it is possible to propagate ivy plants from seeds, it is not commonly done. Ivy seeds have a slow and irregular germination process, and it can take several months for the seeds to sprout. Additionally, ivy plants grown from seeds may not inherit the exact characteristics of the parent plant. Therefore, propagating ivy plants from stem cuttings is the preferred method as it ensures that the new plants are genetically identical to the parent plant.