Ivy is a versatile plant, often seen as groundcover or climbing walls, but it can also be successfully cultivated indoors using only water. Cultivars of English Ivy (Hedera helix) are the most common varieties used, prized for their trailing vines and attractive foliage. While often used for temporary propagation, ivy can survive and grow in water for extended periods. This technique offers a straightforward way to start new plants and maintain them hydroponically without traditional soil.
Understanding Ivy’s Adaptability in Water
Ivy adapts remarkably well to a soilless environment for root development. The key to this success is its ability to produce adventitious roots, specialized structures that grow from the stem rather than the main root system. While climbing varieties use these roots to attach to surfaces, they are easily triggered to form a water-based root system when a stem cutting is submerged.
When a stem is cut and placed in water, the nodes—the small bumps where a leaf meets the vine—activate to produce new roots. This makes water propagation a reliable method for starting new ivy plants. However, long-term growth in water is slower and less vigorous compared to growth in nutrient-rich soil, as the plant focuses energy on maintenance rather than rapid new growth.
The Water Propagation Process
Starting a new ivy plant from a cutting is a simple process. Begin by selecting a healthy, four to five-inch section of vine from the parent plant using clean, sharp shears. The cut should be made just below a node, as this site contains the highest concentration of growth hormones that stimulate root formation.
Once the cutting is taken, remove any leaves that would be submerged in the water to prevent them from rotting. Decaying foliage quickly fouls the water and invites bacterial growth that harms the developing roots. Place the prepared cutting into a clean glass vessel filled with fresh water, ensuring at least one node is fully immersed.
The container should be placed in a location that receives bright, indirect light, which is ideal for root initiation. Using a clear container allows you to monitor the water level and observe the progress of the roots, which should begin to appear within a few weeks.
Sustaining Ivy Growth Without Soil
To maintain ivy in water permanently, you must transition from a simple rooting setup to a basic hydroponic system. Regular water changes are necessary to keep the environment healthy and prevent the buildup of harmful anaerobic bacteria. The water should be completely replaced at least once a week, or more frequently if it appears cloudy or develops an odor.
Since plain water lacks the essential minerals ivy needs for sustained growth, a liquid nutrient solution must be added. A diluted houseplant fertilizer, applied at about one-quarter to one-half the strength recommended for soil-grown plants, will supply the necessary nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This nutrient addition must coincide with the weekly water changes to prevent over-fertilization.
Algae growth is a common issue in water propagation, especially in clear vessels exposed to light. Algae compete with the ivy roots for oxygen and nutrients. To manage this, gently clean the inside of the vessel during the water change, or use an opaque container to block the light that fuels algae production.