4 Ways to Grow Ivy from Seedlings

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4 Ways to Grow Ivy from Seedlings
4 Ways to Grow Ivy from Seedlings

Video: 4 Ways to Grow Ivy from Seedlings

Video: 4 Ways to Grow Ivy from Seedlings
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Ivy are prolific and verdant plants, capable of making any yard, garden or even indoor environment more beautiful. If you are interested in the subject, how about learning to grow them from seedlings? This tactic is great, especially for those who cannot afford to spend a lot. Start by extracting the seedlings and transferring them all to land or water. Then leave them in a warm area, away from direct sunlight, and get ready to transplant in the spring. You just need to follow a few simple steps in this article to get good results!

Steps

Method 1 of 4: Extracting the seedlings

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 1
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 1

Step 1. Extract seedlings from the mature ivy you already have in late summer or early fall

This is the ideal time of year for cutting, as the plants are growing and the climate is favorable. In general, just don't take too long: with winter coming, temperatures will start to drop and make the whole process difficult.

  • What's more, this is the perfect time if you want to plant the seedlings permanently in the spring (if your intention is to put the ivy in your backyard or garden).
  • This is even more true for vine seedlings, such as those of the genera Clematis and Celastrus.
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 2
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 2

Step 2. See if the adult plant has any newly developed parts

Ivy seedlings grow healthier when they are extracted from newly developed plant parts. To find out if this is the case, you just need to see if there is any region of the stem that is fresh and with a lighter shade of green. Avoid cutting seedlings where there are dark leaves and thick stems.

  • This type of seedling is very common and is easier to cultivate than those extracted from older sections of adult ivy.
  • Do not extract seedlings that are damaged or have any unusual characteristics.
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 3
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 3

Step 3. Find a stem that has three to four nodes

Hold the stem with one hand just above one of the knots. Choose this point or a set of leaves to cut, but so that all of them remain on the plant after extraction.

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 4
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 4

Step 4. Cut a 6-inch piece of stem with pruning scissors or a clean knife

It is best to extract the seedling using clean pruning shears, as this reduces the risk of spreading diseases and transmitting pests to the new plant. If necessary, sterilize the entire surface of the metal with isopropyl alcohol before cutting the stem.

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 5
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 5

Step 5. Wrap the seedlings in a damp cloth and place everything in a plastic bag

Wet a cloth or sheet of paper towel and wrap the seedlings inside the material. Then put it in a plastic bag to retain moisture.

  • This is even more important if you have to wait an hour or more to transfer the seedlings to the ground.
  • If possible, extract the seedlings in the morning. So the ivy will be much wetter as a whole.

Method 2 of 4: Rooting the Seedlings in Pots

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 6
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 6

Step 1. Choose the appropriate size pots for the seedlings you want to grow

For example: if you have extracted six seedlings or less, you can use an ordinary 20 cm pot; if you have extracted more than that, buy a larger container (or several containers).

  • You can root the seedlings using any type of pot: terracotta, plastic, ceramic, etc. The important thing is that it has drainage holes in the base.
  • Try putting several seedlings in the same pot. This will save space and less work when watering everything. And don't worry, because the process is temporary: you'll better distribute each seedling when you're going to transplant and definitively plant.
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 7
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 7

Step 2. Put soil in the pots and water well

Buy a bag of planting soil or other soil made specifically for propagation (those that have a higher level of perlite or sand). Fill each pot with material until it reaches 1.5 cm from the top. Finally, place the containers on a counter or stand and water until water starts to come out of the base.

The soil needs to be below the edge of the pots to prevent the water from pooling when you water the seedlings

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 8
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 8

Step 3. Drill some holes in the ground 5 cm apart from each other

Take a pencil or pen and make holes 7 inches deep in the earth. They are used for you to place the seedlings without touching the root hormone that is at the ends of them.

  • Make a hole for each seedling you plant in the pot.
  • You can also make these holes using a barbecue stick or any other similar object.
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 9
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 9

Step 4. Trim 1.5 cm from the tips of the seedlings

Then remove the leaves that are too close to the base of the seedlings (less than 7.5 cm from it). This will facilitate the entire planting, which comes right after.

  • This part is even more important if you have been collecting the seedlings for more than an hour, as the ends of the seedlings are probably already dry.
  • As before, make these cuts using pruning shears or a clean knife.
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 10
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 10

Step 5. Saturate the tip of each seedling in rooting hormone

Open the rooting hormone bag or bottle, take a seedling and dip 2, 5 to 5 cm from the end of it in the powder or liquid. Then, give it a light flick to remove excess product. And repeat the process with the following seedlings.

You can buy root hormone at any garden store or online. It is sold in powder or liquid form

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 11
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 11

Step 6. Place a seedling in each hole in the pot and put the soil back in place

Transfer each seedling to an individual hole, plunging the root hormone tip into the bottom. Then hold it upright with one hand and redistribute the earth around it with the other.

  • Try to keep each seedling in a very upright position, in the middle of the hole, so as not to waste any of the root hormone. Be careful, but don't worry if part of the product ends up coming out.
  • If the seedling is too long or does not stop standing in the hole in the earth, you may have to attach a stake or other support to it. The tip needs to stay still and buried while the root develops.
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 12
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 12

Step 7. Water the pot again until the water comes out of the base

Wet the seedlings with a light jet from the hose or a small watering can. Only stop when the water comes out of the base of the pot, indicating that the plants are watered in just the right amount.

Be careful not to remove the seedlings when watering. Try not to aim the jet at their base

Method 3 of 4: Rooting the seedlings in water

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 13
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 13

Step 1. Cut the stem just after the lowest knot

The knots look like lumps and are at the points where leaves and branches grow from the stem. Take the pruning shears or sharp knife and make a straight cut in the plant about 6mm after the lowest one.

Take advantage and pull out all the leaves that are coming out of this lowest node

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 14
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 14

Step 2. Place the seedling in a clean glass of water at room temperature

The knot should be submerged in water, but the leaves that are still attached to the stem do not. If necessary, discard some of the liquid.

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 15
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 15

Step 3. Change the water and rinse the roots from time to time

Every three to five days, discard the old water and fill the glass with a new volume of liquid at room temperature. At this time, also rinse the roots and even rub all of them lightly between your fingers to remove any viscous film that has appeared on the site.

Do not let any leaves come into contact with water. If this happens, pick it up immediately

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 16
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 16

Step 4. Transfer the seedlings to the ground when the roots are 15 cm long

Keep an eye on the roots at this stage of early growth. When they reach about 15 cm, transfer the seedlings to pots with soil. If necessary, lift the plants slightly from the water and compare their length with a ruler.

Method 4 of 4: Taking Care of Seedlings as Roots Grow

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 17
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 17

Step 1. Place the vases or cups in a clear, warm place

The pots or cups in which you are going to grow the seedlings must be protected from direct sunlight, but they must also not be exposed to low temperatures or a dark environment. If they're inside your house, place them near a window (again, no direct contact with UV rays); if they are outside, cover them with plastic bags or put everything in a greenhouse or a spreader.

  • You need to pay attention to the moisture level of the seedlings. Therefore, place them in a place with easy access and good visibility.
  • Place the seedlings in a place that you can see from various points in the house, such as a space in the living room, a corner near the door, etc. That way it will be easier to remember to take care of them.
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 18
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 18

Step 2. Always leave the soil in the pots moist

Sprinkle the potting soil with water whenever its surface begins to dry out. The time it takes for the soil to absorb this water and become dry again depends on the temperature and humidity of the place where the plants are.

  • Try buying a spray bottle or spray to water the seedlings that are outside the house. For those inside, pour water on them as usual.
  • Just be very careful not to drown the seedlings with an excessive volume of water. In general, do not let the liquid pool on the ground.
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 19
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 19

Step 3. Remove discolored or dead seedlings from the soil or water

It is very likely that some of the seedlings will not survive. If you notice one of them turning yellow, withering or dying, take it out at once. This will even improve the development of healthy plants.

If in doubt about the health status of a seedling, try to prevent and remove the plant before it's too late. It is better to have fewer healthy seedlings than several dead ones

Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 20
Grow Ivy from Cuttings Step 20

Step 4. Transplant the seedlings at the right time

Typically, vines take root after a month or two of constant care. Once it's time to transplant-that is, when the plants start to grow more leaves or when spring arrives-you just need to move the ivy to a new pot or space with healthy soil.

  • If you are going to grow ivy outdoors, place the youngest ones directly in the garden or in a pot. However, don't forget to water the plants more often (as they will dry out in less time).
  • Wait a few months while the plants develop before transplanting.

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