Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) is a popular climbing vine valued for its ability to cover walls and trellises with a blanket of green foliage. With its rapid growth rate and dense growth habit, established Boston ivy plants can be used to quickly propagate new vines.
Propagating Boston ivy from cuttings is a simple and effective way to create new vines. Here is a step-by-step guide to propagating Boston ivy from cuttings
When to Take Boston Ivy Cuttings
The best time for propagating Boston ivy from cuttings is in spring, when new growth is tender and flexible. Mid-spring is ideal as growth is active but the cutting won’t be overly soft and vulnerable to damage.
Avoid taking cuttings in fall when growth has hardened off for winter dormancy Old woody stems are more difficult to root
Choosing a Boston Ivy Stem for Cuttings
When selecting a stem for your Boston ivy cuttings, look for the following qualities:
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Healthy, pest and disease-free parent plant
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Vigorous, flexible new growth
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Vibrant green color
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Minimum 1/4 inch diameter
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Mature enough to snap cleanly when bent (avoid young weak stems)
Look for stems growing off the main vines rather than the terminal ends, which are needed for continued vine growth.
How to Take a Boston Ivy Cutting
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Use clean, sharp bypass pruners or a razor blade to sever the stem. Make a straight cut just below a node.
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Your cutting should be 4-6 inches long with 4-6 nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
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Optionally dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to encourage root growth. Tap off any excess.
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Allow the cutting to air dry for 1-2 days before planting to form a callus over the cut.
Rooting Boston Ivy Cuttings
Gather Propagation Supplies
You’ll need a container with drainage holes, rooting medium such as perlite or vermiculite, clear plastic bag, and heat mat or heating pad (optional).
Prepare Propagation Container
Fill the container with pre-moistened rooting medium, leaving 1-2 inches at the top. Sand or a half perlite, half peat moss mix also work well.
Insert the Cuttings
Poke holes in the rooting medium with a pencil. Insert the Boston ivy cuttings at least 2 inches deep, spacing them 1-2 inches apart. Gently firm the rooting medium around the cuttings.
Enclose in a Humid Environment
Place the pot inside a clear plastic bag, supported above the pot rim so the plastic doesn’t touch the cuttings. Loosely twist-tie the bag closed.
Provide Bottom Heat
Place the pot on a heating mat or heated seedling propagation tray set to 65-70°F to encourage faster root growth.
Care for Rooting Cuttings
Keep the rooting medium moist but not soggy. Open the bag daily to mist-spray the cuttings. Reseal the bag to maintain very high humidity around the leaves.
Check for Root Growth
Gently tug cuttings after 6-8 weeks. When resistance is felt, new root growth has occurred. Acclimatize the rooted cuttings to lower humidity levels over 2 weeks before transplanting.
Transplanting Rooted Boston Ivy Cuttings
Once the cuttings have developed an extensive root system, transplant them into pots using a well-draining potting mix amended with compost.
Initially grow the young vines in bright indirect light. Once established, they can be planted outdoors in spring planted in full sun to partial shade. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks to encourage vigorous growth.
With proper care, your propagated Boston ivy cuttings will quickly establish into lush, trailing vines that can cover fences, arbors, and other garden structures with beautiful foliage.
Choosing Your Propagation Adventure: Stem Cuttings or Layering?
If you’re looking for the best stem to grow more Boston ivy, think of it like picking an athlete for a relay race. You want a stem thats robust, free of pests, and showing off a vibrant green. Snip right below a node with a blade so clean it could double as a surgeons scalpel. Make sure the cutting heals for a few days before letting it take root. This will stop any rot from starting.
Getting Your Cuttings to Thrive
Finding the right place for your new cuttings is like setting up a nursery: it’s all about where it is. Bright, indirect light is your golden ticket. Too much sun and your cuttings will throw a fit, too little and theyll sulk. Remember to keep them out of drafts and, if possible, put them somewhere warm and cozy.
Now, lets talk about watering—not too much, not too little, just right. Its a delicate balance, like walking a tightrope while juggling watering cans. Check the soil every few days; if the top inch is dry, its time to water. But remember, soggy soil is a no-go. Root rot will crash your propagation party faster than you can say “drainage holes. “.
Ivy: How to Propagate Ivy – How to Grow a Beautiful Garden with Scarlett
FAQ
Can I grow Boston Ivy from a cutting?
Can I root Boston Ivy in water?
Can you put ivy cuttings straight into soil?
Where do you cut ivy for propagation?
How do you grow Boston ivy in a pot?
To grow Boston ivy in a pot, poke a hole in the damp sand and place the cuttings into the hole. Push the sand around the stem gently, until it’s firmly in place. Repeat this process for all the cuttings, keeping them about 2 inches (5 cm.) apart. Place the pot into a plastic bag with the opening facing upwards.
How do you root a Boston ivy cutting?
To root a Boston ivy cutting: Fill the container with clean sand and spray it with water until it’s damp. Break off the leaves on the bottom half, leaving two or three pairs at the tip. Dip the cut end into a pile of rooting hormone powder. Poke a hole in the damp sand and place the Boston ivy cutting into the hole.
Can Boston ivy be grown outside?
Boston ivy can be grown outside by taking cuttings and rooting them into new plants. You can fill your garden with the same ivy plants or recreate the university look and grow it up your brick walls using this method. It roots readily and will grow slowly indoors until next spring, at which point the new vines can be planted outside.
How do you grow Ivy from a cutting?
Place the cutting in sand. Fill a planter with sand, place your cutting inside, and cover the planter with a plastic bag. The bag helps your cutting retain moisture. Keep the cutting well-watered and moist (but not wet). Plant the cutting. Once your ivy begins to grow, remove it from the sand and replant it in well-drained soil.
How do you propagate Ivy?
One way to propagate a new ivy plant is by placing a cutting in water. Using clean pruning shears or a sharp knife, cut a piece of your plant. For successful ivy propagation, your cut should be four to five inches long from a healthy vine. This can be done during your regular pruning routine. Fill a clear container with water.
How far apart do you plant Boston ivy?
Plant roots 1 foot from the wall, and allow 18 to 24 inches between plants when planting for wall coverage. Plant Boston ivy at least 15 feet from any structure if you do not want it to climb walls. Grow these vines in partial shade to full sun.