When it comes to propagating ivy in water, there is no specific spot where you have to make the cut. You have the freedom to choose where you want the plant to be shorter or where you think it would be best to make the cut.
To start, gently slide your finger down the stem of the ivy plant. As you do this, carefully remove any leaves that would end up submerged in the water. It is important to avoid having any ivy leaves submerged because they can rot and potentially harm the cutting.
When making the cut, you can use a sharp, clean pair of gardening shears or a knife. Make a clean and precise cut just below a node, which is the point where a leaf or bud attaches to the stem. Nodes are important because they contain cells that can develop into roots when placed in water or soil.
It can be helpful to make multiple cuttings from the same ivy plant to increase your chances of success. Each cutting should ideally have at least two or three nodes. This will provide more opportunities for roots to develop and increase the chances of successful propagation.
After making the cuttings, fill a clean glass or jar with water. Place the cut end of each ivy cutting into the water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged. Make sure the leaves are above the water level to prevent rotting.
Find a suitable location for the glass or jar of cuttings. Ideally, it should be a spot where they will receive indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can be too intense and may cause the cuttings to dry out or become damaged.
Change the water in the glass or jar every few days to keep it fresh and prevent the growth of algae or bacteria. You can also add a small amount of rooting hormone to the water to encourage root development, although this is optional.
Over time, you should start to see roots growing from the nodes of the ivy cuttings. Once the roots are well-developed, you can carefully transplant the cuttings into pots filled with well-draining soil. Be gentle when handling the fragile roots to avoid any damage.
Keep the newly potted ivy plants in a location with bright, indirect sunlight and water them regularly. With proper care, they will continue to grow and thrive, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of ivy in your garden or home.
Remember, while propagating ivy in water can be a rewarding and relatively simple process, it’s important to be patient. Root development can take several weeks or even months, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
