How To Transplant English Ivy

If your English ivy has outgrown its pot or you want to spread its charm to a new spot, knowing how to transplant English ivy is the key to success. This simple step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your vigorous vine thrives in its new home with minimal shock.

Transplanting might seem daunting, but ivy is a remarkably resilient plant. Whether you’re moving it from indoors to outdoors, dividing an overgrown patch, or simply giving it a fresh pot, the right technique makes all the difference. Let’s get your hands dirty and give your ivy a new lease on life.

This main section covers the complete transplant process. Following these steps in order will give your ivy the best chance to settle in quickly and resume its growth.

When is the Best Time to Transplant Ivy?

Timing is crucial for a stress-free move. The ideal periods are:

Early Spring: Just as new growth begins, the plant’s energy is high and roots establish fast.
Early Fall: Cooler temperatures and reliable moisture help roots settle before winter dormancy.

Avoid transplanting in the peak summer heat or during freezing winter conditions. If you must move an indoor ivy, it can be done any time, but spring is still prefered.

Gathering Your Tools and Materials

Being prepared streamlines the job. You’ll need:

A new pot with drainage holes (1-2 inches wider than the root ball) or a prepared garden bed.
Fresh, well-draining potting mix (a general-purpose mix works fine).
A garden trowel, sharp knife, or shears.
Gardening gloves.
Watering can.
Optional: Pruners for trimming.

Step-by-Step Transplanting Instructions

Follow these numbered steps carefully for the best results.

Step 1: Prepare the New Home

If potting, place a piece of broken pottery or a coffee filter over the drainage hole. Add a few inches of fresh soil to the bottom of the new container. For garden planting, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the ivy’s root ball. Loosen the soil around the hole to encourage root spread.

Step 2: Water the Ivy Thoroughly

Give your ivy a deep drink a few hours before transplanting. This hydrates the roots and helps the soil hold together, making it easier to remove the plant with less damage.

Step 3: Remove the Ivy from Its Current Pot or Ground

For potted ivy: Turn the pot sideways, gently grip the base of the stems, and carefully wiggle the plant out. If it’s stuck, you can run a knife around the inside edge of the pot.

For ground ivy: Use a trowel or shovel to dig a wide berth around the plant, going deep enough to get under the main root ball. Lift the plant gently from beneath.

Step 4: Inspect and Loosen the Roots

Examine the root ball. If the roots are densely coiled around the outside (pot-bound), gently tease them apart with your fingers. This encourages them to grow outward into the new soil. Trim any dead or excessively long roots with clean shears.

Step 5: Place and Position in the New Location

Set the ivy’s root ball into the new pot or ground hole. The top of the root ball should sit level with, or just slightly below, the surrounding soil surface. Avoid planting it too deep, as this can cause stem rot.

Step 6: Backfill with Soil

Fill in around the roots with your fresh potting mix or garden soil. Gently firm the soil down with your hands to eliminate large air pockets, but don’t compact it too tightly. Leave a small basin around the stem to help with watering.

Step 7: Water Deeply and Mulch

Give your newly transplanted ivy a generous, slow watering until water runs freely from the drainage holes or the ground is saturated. This settles the soil around the roots. Apply a thin layer of mulch (like bark chips) for outdoor plants to retain moisture.

Aftercare: Helping Your Ivy Thrive

The first few weeks are critical. Your ivy will need a little extra attention to recover from the move.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy for the first 2-3 weeks. Check the top inch of soil; water when it feels dry.
Light: Place the plant in bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh, direct sun for a week or two, even for sun-tolerant varieties, to reduce stress.
Hold Off on Fertilizer: Don’t fertilize for at least 4-6 weeks after transplanting. Let the roots recover first; fertilizer can burn tender new roots.
Monitor for Shock: Some wilting or yellowing of a few leaves is normal. If it persists, ensure the soil moisture is correct and light levels are appropriate.

Common Transplanting Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls to ensure your ivy’s success:

Choosing the Wrong Pot Size: A pot that’s too large holds excess moisture, leading to root rot. Only size up incrementally.
Using Old or Heavy Soil: Never reuse old potting mix or use dense garden soil in containers. It lacks nutrients and drains poorly.
Overwatering Immediately: While deep initial watering is key, constant sogginess is a killer. Let the soil approach dryness between waterings.
Trimming Too Much Foliage: While you can trim long vines, the leaves are the plant’s energy factory. Avoid removing more than ⅓ of the growth at once.

Propagating Ivy During Transplant

Transplant time is a perfect opportunity to make more plants! When you have the ivy out, you can easily take cuttings.

Snip 4-6 inch lengths of healthy stem, just below a leaf node.
Remove the leaves from the bottom half of each cutting.
Place the cuttings in water or directly into moist potting mix.
Roots will develop in a few weeks, giving you brand new ivy plants to enjoy or share.

FAQ: Your English Ivy Transplant Questions Answered

Can I transplant English ivy in the summer?

It’s not ideal. The heat stresses the plant, increasing wilting and failure risk. If you must, do it on a cool, cloudy day and provide extra shade and water.

How often should I repot my indoor English ivy?

Typically every 1-2 years, or when you see roots growing out of the drainage holes. Spring is the best time for repotting houseplants.

Why are my transplanted ivy leaves turning yellow?

Yellow leaves after transplanting often indicate overwatering or poor drainage. Check that your pot drains freely and allow the soil to dry slightly. A few yellow leaves from shock is normal.

How deep should I plant English ivy?

Plant it at the same depth it was growing before. Burying the stems too deep can lead to rot. The root ball’s top should be level with the soil surface.

Can I transplant ivy cuttings directly into soil?

Yes, you can. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist (not wet) while the cutting develops its roots. Using a rooting hormone can increase success rates.

Is English ivy easy to transplant?

Yes, it is generally considered an easy plant to transplant due to its tough, adaptable nature. Following the proper steps greatly improves your chances of success.

Transplanting English ivy is a straightforward task that rejuvenates an overgrown plant and expands your green space. By choosing the right time, handling the roots with care, and providing attentive aftercare, you’ll ensure a smooth transition. Before you know it, your ivy will be sending out new tendrils, happily settled into it’s new home and ready to grow with vigor for seasons to come.