How to Propagate Ivy Geraniums

Ivy geranium makes a striking display in window boxes.

Trailing ivy geraniums combine the graceful beauty of ivies tumbling over the sides of container beds or hanging baskets with the stately blooms of geraniums. Tightly formed clusters of small flowers make up a large flower head that appears as one bloom floating above the rich green foliage. Blooming from late spring until frost, ivy geraniums and add brilliant color and texture to any container. Propagation by stem cuttings produces plants identical to the parent plant.

Things You'll Need

• Sharp knife
• Glass or vase
• Rooting hormone
• Plant pots
• Planting media (peat moss/perlite)
• Plastic food storage bag
• Pencil/dowel (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Cutting

1. Select 4- to 6-inch sections from the terminal end of a stem, where new leaves form. Examine for any signs of disease or insect damage.

2. Cut the stems one-quarter inch below a leaf node where a leaf joins the stem. This area is rich in growth agents and forms roots quickly.

3. Remove leaves on the bottom 2 to 3 inches of the stems.

Water Method

1. Place the stem cuttings in a glass or vase filled with water. Set the glass on a sunny windowsill in a northern or eastern window.

2. Check the water daily and refill to replace water from evaporation. Keep the water at a consistent level. Change water completely if it becomes stagnant and begins to smell musty.

3. Watch for new roots to appear, typically within 2 weeks.

4. Pot cuttings in individual containers once roots are 2 inches long. Keep soil moist until seedlings show signs of new growth.

Potting Media Method

1. Fill a 2- to 4-inch plant pot with potting media such as peat moss, perlite or a combination of both.

2. Dip the bottom inch of the cuttings in rooting hormone and tap against the container to remove excess rooting powder.

3. Place the cuttings to a depth of 1 inch in individual pots filled with potting media. Firm the soil around the base of each cutting and water to moisten the soil.

4. Enclose the cuttings and pots in a plastic food storage bag to maintain a high humidity level. Prop the bag with a pencil or dowel if necessary to keep the sides of the plastic from resting on the plants.

5. Place the cuttings in indirect light. Check daily and keep soil moist until roots form. Move to similar lighting as the original plant and resume typical plant care.

Tips & Warnings

• Check for root formation by gently tugging on the plant. If it resists your efforts, roots have formed.

• Avoid putting cuttings in southern or western windows; the hot afternoon sun may overheat the water and damage the cutting

• Don't start cuttings in potting soil. It does not provide the aeration young roots need.

References

• Iowa State University Extension: Ivy Geraniums
• TAMU Extension: Propagating Foliage and Flowering Plants

Resources

• Purdue University Consumer Horticulture: New Plants from Cuttings