How to propagate ivy from cuttings? A detailed guide to the latest cutting method
Ivy is a perennial evergreen climbing shrub of the genus Hedera in the family Araliaceae. Its stems and vines root easily, so it is usually propagated by cuttings. Under greenhouse cultivation conditions, cuttings can be taken throughout the year. For home propagation, it is generally best to take cuttings in spring from April to May and in autumn from August to September. Below, let us take a look together at how to take ivy cuttings!
Preparation of cuttings
Pinch off a branch about 30 cm long from the tip of the ivy. Before taking cuttings, be sure to carefully check the leaves and stems for signs of insects, especially with plants brought back from the wild, as bringing back pests is the last thing you want. Cutting off branches will not affect the growth of the mother plant; it may even encourage the mother plant to branch and grow more new shoots. Cut the ivy into small sections about eight or nine cm long. Be sure to use scissors and not pinch with your hands, otherwise the plant tissue at the cut end will be damaged. Also remove the leaves at the bottom, keeping only 2-4 leaves at the top.
Cutting medium
Prepare a few disposable plastic cups and cut three or four holes in the bottom to use instead of flower pots. This kind of “flower pot” has several advantages. First, it holds little soil, so wet and dry cycles alternate quickly, and the cuttings will not rot because the soil stays too wet for too long. Second, the transparent cup allows you to clearly observe the rooting of the plant, and transplanting after the roots have developed well helps survival. Third, transplanting is convenient: when transplanting, turn the cup upside down and slide out the intact clump of soil, which keeps the roots of the young plant from being damaged. Fourth, it takes up little space. After cutting the holes in the bottom of the cup, put in well-aerated soil; sandy soil is also fine. Use a finger or chopstick to poke a hole in the soil in the middle of the cup, place at least one leaf-removed node into the soil, then fill in soil and press the soil around the cutting lightly so that it does not wobble when watered.
Cutting care
1. Watering management: After watering the ivy thoroughly, place it in a bright spot without direct sunlight. For the first few days, you can water about once every two days. After about a week, gradually reduce the frequency of watering, and water again only after observing that the soil is slightly dry. Be careful not to let the soil dry out completely.
2. Rooting and transplanting: With proper care and suitable temperature, ivy cuttings can root in about 15-20 days. After rooting, do not rush to transplant; let the young plants continue to grow in the cups for a period. After about a month and a half, when the root system has developed well, they can be transplanted into larger flower pots.
3. Care after planting: After the young ivy plants are transplanted, water them thoroughly, first place them in a spot without direct sunlight for two or three days to recover, and after that they can be exposed to sunlight. The shape can be chosen according to personal preference. If you like a lush, vigorous large pot, place it in a sunny spot, add urea or nitrogen fertilizer to the water when watering, and frequently pinch off the tips to encourage more branching. If you like an elegant, slender look, place it indoors in a bright spot without direct sunlight, and do not fertilize it; just let it grow freely.