Question
hi, I'm doing a project for school with plant propagation.  We needed to
choose a plant, i chose English ivy.  so far i cut three pieces about 7-8 inches
long, they are stem cuttings.  then i put them in a bottle of water, i just
wanted to know if this was the right way to do it, or, if not, what is the right
way to propagate the English ivy. please let me know soon! i don't want to be
doing this project for 2 months to find out its wrong right before the due
date! haha
Thank you so much! -brynn

Answer
Brynn, rather than placing the cuttings in water, I would use a good potting mix.

Simply cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long. Remove the lower sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. You can purchase this product at any garden center. Stick the cutting one inch into the potting mix. Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting.

Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window seal or under fluorescent lighting. After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist. The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike