How to Pot Plants Rooted in Water

Take stem cuttings of your ivy plant.

Many herbaceous plants, including a host of houseplants, propagate easily from stem cuttings. Many homeowners choose to take cuttings, or slips, from houseplants to create a clone of the original plant, as it is a cost effective way to increase the number of houseplants. Cutting root in a jar or vase of water on a sunny windowsill. When roots form on the cuttings, pot them in soil as new houseplants.

Things You'll Need

• Plant pot
• Perlite
• Peat moss
• Potting soil

Instructions

1. Fill a plant pot three-quarters full with a mixture of equal parts peat moss, perlite and all-purpose potting soil.

2. Make an indentation for the roots with your finger or the end of a pencil.

3. Place the rooted cutting into the soil. Spread the young roots over the soil gently to avoid injuring them

4. Fill in around the roots with fresh soil. Firm the soil around the stem of the cutting so it rests an inch or two below the surface of the soil. New roots form along the stem to create a vigorous root system.

5. Water thoroughly until water runs freely from the bottom of the pot. Keep soil moist until new growth appears.

6. Place the new plant in similar lighting as the original and resume normal care.

Tips & Warnings

• Use several cuttings to fill hanging baskets or containers to create a full plant for display.

• Avoid placing newly planted cuttings in direct sunlight until they show signs of vigorous growth.

References

• Texas A&M University Extension: Propagating Foliage and Flowering Plants
• North Carolina State University Extension; Plant Propagation by Stem Cuttings; Erv Evans, et al; January 1999

Resources

• North Carolina State University Extension; Rooting for You; Dick Bir, et al