How To Propagate Ivy Plants

Learning how to propagate ivy plants is one of the easiest and most satisfying projects for any gardener. Whether you want more of your favorite variety or to share with friends, this simple step-by-step guide will show you exactly what to do.

Ivy, with its classic, trailing vines, is incredibly cooperative when it comes to making new plants. You can create dozens of new ivies from just one parent plant with minimal tools. All you need are a few cuttings, some basic supplies, and a little patience. Let’s get started.

There are two main methods for propagating ivy: in water and in soil. Both are effective, but starting in water lets you watch the roots develop, which is fun for beginners. The soil method is a bit faster and skips the transplanting step later. We’ll cover both so you can choose your favorite.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Gathering your supplies first makes the whole process smooth. You likely have most of these items at home already.

Healthy Parent Ivy Plant: Choose a vine that is vibrant and free from pests or disease.
Sharp, Clean Scissors or Pruners: Clean cuts heal faster and prevent infection. You can wipe blades with rubbing alcohol.
Small Pots or Containers: For soil propagation, use pots with drainage holes.
Glass Jar or Vase: If propagating in water, a clear glass lets you monitor root growth.
Fresh Potting Mix: A well-draining, all-purpose mix is perfect.
Rooting Hormone (Optional): This powder can speed up root development, especially in soil.
Water: Room temperature is best.

Step 1: Choosing and Taking the Perfect Cuttings

Your success begins with selecting the right stem to cut. Look for a vine that’s growing well and has a robust color.

Follow these steps:

Identify a stem that is at least 4-6 inches long and has several leaves.
Look for the little bumps on the stem, called “nodes.” These are where roots will emerge from.
Using your clean scissors, make a cut just below a leaf node. Your cutting should be 4-6 inches long and have 2-3 nodes on it.
Gently remove the leaves from the bottom one or two nodes. The nodes must be bare to go into water or soil.

Common Mistake to Avoid

Avoid using very old, woody stems or very new, super soft growth. Semi-hardened stems from this season’s growth tend to root the best. Also, don’t tear the stem; always use a sharp tool.

Step 2: The Water Propagation Method

This is a great visual method. It’s simple and almost foolproof.

Fill your glass jar with room-temperature water.
Place your prepared cuttings into the jar, ensuring the bare nodes are submerged. The remaining leaves should be well above the waterline.
Put the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct hot sun, which can encourage algae growth in the water.
Change the water every 3-5 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated. This prevents bacterial growth.
In 1-2 weeks, you should start to see tiny white roots forming from the nodes. Wait until the roots are 1-2 inches long before potting them up.

Step 3: The Soil Propagation Method

This method plants the cuttings directly into their final growing medium. It’s a one-step process.

Fill small pots with moistened potting mix. Make a small hole in the center with a pencil or your finger.
(Optional) Dip the bare stem end of your cutting into water, then into rooting hormone powder. Tap off any excess.
Place the cutting into the hole, ensuring the bare nodes are buried. Gently firm the soil around the stem so it stands upright.
Water the soil lightly to settle it. You can place several cuttings in one pot, just ensure the leaves don’t touch too much.
Create a humid environment by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or a plastic bottle with the bottom cut off. This acts like a mini greenhouse.
Place in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy). In about 2-4 weeks, gently tug on the cutting. If you feel resistance, roots have formed!

Step 4: Aftercare for Your New Ivy Plants

Once your cuttings have rooted, they need a bit of special care to become strong plants.

For Water-Rooted Cuttings: When potting them, be very gentle with the new roots. Keep the soil extra moist for the first week to help them transition from water to soil.
Light: Continue to provide bright, indirect light. Too much sun can scorch the tender new plants.
Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ivy dislikes sitting in constantly wet soil.
Feeding: Hold off on fertilizer for at least 2-3 months. The fresh potting mix has enough nutrients to get them started.
Pinching: Once the plant has a few new sets of leaves, pinch off the very tip of the vine. This encourages it to branch out and become bushier.

Troubleshooting Common Propagation Problems

Sometimes things don’t go perfectly. Here’s how to fix common issues.

Cuttings are Wilting or Turning Yellow

This often means too much direct sun or overwatering (for soil cuttings). Move to a shadier spot and let the soil dry out a bit more between waterings. For water cuttings, yellowing can mean the water wasn’t changed frequently enough.

No Roots Are Appearing

If it’s been weeks with no roots, the cuttings might have been taken from a non-viable stem, or the temperature might be too cool. Ivy roots best in warmer conditions. Try again with a different cutting and keep them in a warmer spot in your home.

Rotting Stems in Water or Soil

Rot is a sign of bacterial or fungal issues. In water, it’s from infrequent water changes. In soil, it’s from overly wet conditions. Always use clean tools and pots, and ensure soil drains well. If a cutting rots, discard it and start fresh.

FAQ: Your Ivy Propagation Questions Answered

What is the best time of year to propagate ivy?

Spring and early summer are ideal, as the plant is in its active growth phase. However, ivy is so resilient that you can have success indoors any time of year.

Can I propagate ivy from a long vine with no leaves?

You need at least one leaf to support the cutting through photosynthesis. A leafless stem segment is unlikely to succeed unless it has a growth bud, which is trickier.

How long does it take for ivy cuttings to root?

In water, you’ll often see roots in 1-2 weeks. In soil, it takes a bit longer, typically 2-4 weeks, before you notice new growth indicating roots.

Why are the leaves on my propagated ivy falling off?

Some leaf loss is normal due to the stress of being cut and forming roots. Ensure it’s not in a drafty area and that you’re not overwatering. As long as the stem is firm and new growth appears, it’s probably fine.

When should I repot my new ivy plant?

You can keep it in its starter pot until you see roots peeking out of the drainage holes. Then, move it to a pot only 1-2 inches larger in diameter. Ivy likes to be slightly root-bound.

Final Tips for Success

Propagation is part science, part art. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Take more cuttings than you think you need, as this increases your chances of success. Label your pots with the date so you can track progress.

Remember, patience is key. While ivy is generally quick to root, sometimes it just needs a little more time. The joy of seeing those first new leaves unfurl on a plant you created yourself is well worth the wait. Soon, you’ll have plenty of beautiful ivy plants to fill your home and garden.