Should I Plant My Ivy or Leave It in Water?

When it comes to growing ivy, there are different methods you can use. One of the most popular questions among beginner gardeners is whether they should plant their ivy or leave it in water. In this article, we’ll explore both options and see which one is better for your ivy plants.

Pros and Cons of Planting Ivy

Planting ivy has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the pros of planting your ivy:

Root development: When ivy is planted in soil, it can develop a stronger and healthier root system.

Better support: If you want your ivy to climb up a trellis or wall, planting it in soil will give it the support it needs.

Less maintenance: Once your ivy is planted, it requires less maintenance than when it’s in water.

However, there are also some cons of planting ivy, such as:

Pests and diseases: When ivy is planted outside, it can attract pests and diseases. You need to take proper care of your plant to avoid this.

Soil conditions: Ivy needs well-draining soil, and if you don’t provide the right conditions, it may not thrive.

Slower growth: When ivy is planted in soil, it may take longer to grow and cover the area you want it to.

Pros and Cons of Keeping Ivy in Water

Keeping ivy in water is another option you can try. Here are some of the advantages:

Convenient: Water propagation is a simple and convenient way to grow ivy.

Faster growth: When ivy is in water, it tends to grow faster and develop roots more quickly.

No soil needed: If you don’t have a suitable soil mix, you can still grow ivy in water without worrying about soil conditions.

However, there are also some disadvantages of keeping ivy in water:

No support: If you want your ivy to climb up a trellis or wall, it won’t have any support in water.

No root development: When ivy is in water, it won’t develop the same kind of strong root system that it would in soil.

More maintenance: You need to change the water regularly to keep your ivy healthy, as stagnant water can promote the growth of harmful bacteria.

Which Option Should You Choose?

After weighing the pros and cons of each method, the decision ultimately depends on your personal preference and the conditions you can provide for your ivy. If you have a suitable soil mix and want your ivy to have proper support, planting it in soil might be a better option. However, if you’re looking for a convenient way to grow your ivy faster, water propagation might suit you better.

Whichever method you choose, make sure you take proper care of your ivy and provide it with the right conditions it needs to thrive. Whether it’s planted in soil or growing in water, ivy is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add a touch of green to any space.