How to Propagate Devil's Ivy Plant in Water
Devil's Ivy is a popular houseplant that’s known for its lush green leaves that cascade down from the hanging basket. It’s also popular because of its ease of care and ability to grow even in less-than-ideal conditions. Propagating Devil's Ivy plant in water is one of the easiest and quickest ways to expand your collection. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of propagating Devil's Ivy in water.
Choosing your Plant
The first step in propagating Devil's Ivy in water is selecting a healthy, mature plant. Look for a plant that has several well-established vines or stems that are at least six inches long. Cuttings from mature vines root faster and are more likely to establish successfully in a new container.
Gathering Supplies
You’ll need a few supplies before you can start propagating Devil's Ivy in water. The most important is a clean, sterile cutting tool. A sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears will work well. You’ll also need a clean container, fresh filtered water, and some rooting hormone (optional but helpful).
Preparing the Cuttings
Using your cutting tool, cut a vine or stem that has two to three leaves from the Devil's Ivy plant. Make sure your cutting is at least six inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom inch of the stem. This will provide enough space for the roots to grow in water without any interference from debris or decaying leaves.
Rooting the Cuttings
Fill the clean container with fresh filtered water, and place your cutting in the water. Make sure the cutting is submerged up to the point where the leaves were removed. If you’re using rooting hormone, dip the bottom of the cutting into the hormone powder and shake off the excess. This will encourage the development of roots.
Place the container in a well-lit area, but not in direct sun, since too much light can damage the plant. Change the water every two to three days, making sure that the water level is maintained. In about two to four weeks, your Devil's Ivy cutting should have developed a good root system.
Planting the Cuttings
Once the cutting has developed a good root system, it’s time to transfer it to soil. Choose a pot that’s slightly larger than the cutting, and fill it with fresh potting soil. Make a hole in the soil with your finger or a small spoon, and gently place the Devil's Ivy cutting into the hole. Cover the roots with soil, ensuring that the soil is firmly packed around the base of the stem.
Caring for your New Plant
After planting your Devil's Ivy cutting, water it well and set it in a well-lit area. Make sure the soil remains moist, but not waterlogged, and provide regular fertilizer. Keep an eye out for pests and signs of stress, such as yellowing leaves, and address them quickly. Before you know it, your cutting will grow into a lush, healthy plant, ready to be propagated again in water.
Conclusion
Propagating Devil's Ivy in water is a simple and easy way to expand your collection of this popular houseplant. Choose a mature vine, gather your supplies, prepare your cutting, root it in water, and transfer it to soil when ready. With a little patience and care, your Devil's Ivy plant will thrive and flourish in its new home.