Question
I have a small clipping (about 3") from some sort of ivy plant at work.  I plan to root it in water before moving it to a pot.  Some guides say to to leave a "node" submersed in the water and others don't detail this.  I'm a little confused about how to correctly do this.  Do I need to remove the leaves, if so, how do I do this??  Will it root if I don't remove any leaves?  

Answer
Kristin,

If you do not remove the leaves they will rot and cause the entire cutting to rot. Just use your fingernails or sharp scissors and cut the leaves off right next to the stem. Remove any leaves that would be submerged in the water. I actually do not recomend rooting cuttings in water. They root better in soil. Pick up some rooting powder at a garden center and dip the cutting (after you have removed the lower leaves) in the rooting hormone.  Shake off the excess powder. Then use a pencil to make a hole in a 4 inch pot of fresh soil and insert the cutting in the hole. Then press the soil against the cutting firmly. Water it but do not leave it sitting in a drain tray full of water or it will rot. Treat it just as you do your other plants. Water it when it seems dry. It should be rooted in 3- 4 weeks. Good luck.

Darlene