How to Grow English Ivy From Cuttings

English ivy will cover just about any surface it can reach.

English ivy (Hedera helix) is a versatile and easy plant to grow in areas where grass is not feasible. It forms a nice ground cover that stays green year-round. It grows 6 to 8 inches tall and can climb structures up to 50 feet tall on its aerial rootlets. English ivy grows profusely and will spread, so be sure to keep it contained in its growing area. Because it is such a rapid grower, it's easy to grow from cuttings.

Things You'll Need

• Resealable plastic bag
• Paper towel
• Sand
• Pot

Instructions

1. Cut off 4 to 6 inches of the stem tips of an existing English ivy. Rinse the cuttings of any dirt or debris. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem.

2. Place the cuttings in a resealable bag with a damp paper towel spread along the bottom. After a few days, you should see some roots and growth from the leaf end.

3. Fill a suitable pot with dampened sand and plant the cuttings so that the root portion is covered. Keep the sand moist.

4. Place the pot in a sunny spot and within a few weeks you should see new growth. If you tug gently on the plant, you should feel resistance, which means it is rooting.

5. Transplant the rooted cuttings to a garden bed.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Ivy
• Yardener: Caring for English Ivy