What are the precautions for propagating English ivy?
English ivy is mainly propagated by cuttings. From June to August, cut vigorous young shoots for cuttings, and each section must have at least 3 nodes. Before inserting, soak the cuttings in water first, then insert them, as this makes it easier for them to survive. After inserting, water thoroughly and cover with plastic film to maintain air humidity.
When taking cuttings, note the following: First, do not use perennial old branches as cuttings, because old branches do not root easily, and even if they do root, their climbing ability will later be very poor. Second, be careful to protect the buds on the cuttings. Because the buds on English ivy branches are relatively small, they can easily be rubbed off if you are not careful. Therefore, when removing the lower leaves of the cuttings, be very careful not to rub off the buds at the same time, otherwise the survival of the new plant will be affected.
Cultivation of English ivy
[Aliases] Xuanchunteng, ivy, English climbing fig.[Scientific name] Hederahelix
[Family and genus] Araliaceae, Hedera.
[Morphology] An evergreen climbing vine, with wood that is reddish brown. Leaves are simple and alternate, leathery, often with creamy white markings; leaves on vegetative branches have 3 to 5 lobes, while leaves on reproductive branches are ovate or rhombic and entire. The inflorescence is spherical, the flowers are umbellate and yellow, blooming in autumn, and the fruit ripens in May of the following year. There are more than 100 horticultural cultivars. Common ones include Golden Edge, Silver Edge, White-Green, White Vein, Arrowleaf, Tricolor, and Golden Heart.
[Habits] Native to Europe, it likes warmth and moisture, is shade-tolerant and cold-tolerant, does not tolerate severe summer heat and high temperatures, and is afraid of direct sun exposure. It is not demanding about soil, prefers loose neutral and slightly acidic soil, and is relatively tolerant of mild alkalinity. It is not drought-tolerant and tolerates wet conditions.
[Propagation] Mainly by cuttings. It can be done in spring, summer, and autumn. When taking cuttings, cut 20 cm stems, remove the lower leaves, insert 2 to 3 nodes into the substrate, maintain humidity, and they will root quickly. It can also be propagated by bending branches and layering.
[Cultivation] It can be planted in shaded areas of a courtyard or at the foot of a wall, and can also be grown in pots. Use a mixed potting soil of garden soil and leaf mold, and repot once every 2 years. In summer it needs shading, and pay attention to watering and misting more often to keep the leaf surface and potting soil moist. Usually it can be placed on a plant stand or in a hanging basket to let the stems and vines hang down; it can also be trained on a trellis or a moss pole to let the stems and vines climb upward.
[Uses] Ground planting can be used for vertical greening. Potted plants are for indoor display. The stems and leaves are used as medicine, with effects of dispelling wind, promoting diuresis, calming the liver, and detoxifying, and are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, and carbuncles and swollen toxins.
English ivy should be planted and managed skillfully
English ivy should be propagated mainly by cuttings. It can be done in spring, summer, and autumn. When taking cuttings, cut 20 cm stems, remove the lower leaves, insert 2 to 3 nodes into the substrate, maintain humidity, and they will root quickly. It can also be propagated by bending branches and layering.
[Cultivation] It can be planted in shaded areas of a courtyard or at the foot of a wall, and can also be grown in pots. Use a mixed potting soil of garden soil and leaf mold, and repot once every 2 years. In summer it needs shading, and pay attention to watering and misting more often to keep the leaf surface and potting soil moist. Usually it can be placed on a plant stand or in a hanging basket to let the stems and vines hang down; it can also be trained on a trellis or a moss pole to let the stems and vines climb upward.
[Uses] Ground planting can be used for vertical greening. Potted plants are for indoor display. The stems and leaves are used as medicine, with effects of dispelling wind, promoting diuresis, calming the liver, and detoxifying, and are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, and carbuncles and swollen toxins.