How to Propagate German Ivy (3 Methods of Senecio mikanioides Propagation)
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German Ivy (Senecio mikanioides) is propagated at the beginning of the growing season from the stems which root easily so there is no need for a rooting hormone.
Senecio mikanioides is a fast-growing, evergreen, climbing plant which bears fleshy, glossy, lobed leaves and clusters of bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Though called German Ivy, Cape Ivy or Parlour Ivy, Senecio mikanioides is not a True Ivy as it is more vigorous and is less affected by warm and dry conditions than a true ivy.
Cape Ivy blossoms in medium to bright light, moderate warmth of 18-270C, average humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, succulents soils coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season. Read more on how to grow and care for Senecio mikanioides.
We have herebelow outlined 3 methods of German Ivy propagation from stems. Keep reading for more on these methods.
1. How to propagate German Ivy from stem-tip cuttings in soil
- Take stem-tip cuttings of about 4-5 inches length from a healthy German Ivy. Ensure each cutting has 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.
- Fill the rooting container with high quality, rooting mix. Moisten the soil lightly.
- With a pencil or similar object make a hole in the moist rooting mix. Insert the cutting in the previously made hole. Lightly cover the base of the cutting with the rooting mix.
- Place the set up in warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight to avoid cooking the cuttings.
- Maintain the soil moist until new growth emerges and substantial growth has been observed.
- Transfer the new Cape Ivy into individual pots, in moist, succulents potting soil and begin routine care. For a fuller plant, transplant several cuttings into one pot.
2. How to propagate German Ivy from stem-tip cuttings in water
- Take cuttings of about 4-5 inches length from a healthy German Ivy. Ensure each cutting has 2-3 leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.
- Place the cuttings in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station. Place in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight. Change the water every 5-7 days.
- When a good amount of roots have formed on the cuttings, transfer the cuttings into moist potting soil.
- Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight.
- Maintain the soil moist until new growth has emerged and substantial growth has been observed.
- Transfer the new Parlour Ivy to individual pots in moist, succulents mix and begin routine care. Several cuttings can be planted in one pot for a fuller plant.
3. How to propagate German Ivy by spreading the stems on the soil
- Spread the stems on the soil surface while still attached to the mother German Ivy plant. Press the stems lightly so that they touch the soil.
- After some time, the stems will root at every point that they are into contact with the soil.
- Once rooted, sever the stems from the mother plant. Dig them up and pot in moist, succulents soil in individual pots.
- Place the new Cape Ivy in a warm, well-lit place and maintain the soil moist until they are well established after which you can begin routine care.