Justin Hughes wrote:
Hello,

I have been trying to get some ivy cuttings to root, which I have
liberated from the wall outside where I work. I don't know what type
it it, but it's quite attractive with red edges to it's broad leaves.

I am now on my third batch of cuttings. They keep dying. First I took
some fresh softwood growth, made a cut below a leave stem and took off
the lower roots. Dipped it in rooting compound and planted in seed
compost. After a matter of days the leaves and stem had dryed and
compleletly died.

My second batch were from the more mature part of the original plant,
but I fear it was a bit too woody, and they seem to by dying to.

My third batch have gone in this week, and are from somewhere between
the two. I also tried planting a single leaf, as an experiment.

Any hints? Am I doing everything wrong?

Justin

I'm afraid I'm no expert, but have you tried putting the pot with the
cutting in inside a plastic bag? It's important with cuttings to prevent
them drying out at all times. Also, the sooner you can pot them up the
better, they can dry out very quickly as soon as they are cut. When you
take the cuttings, try sealing them inside a plastic bag immediately
after cutting, and maybe soak the bag in water first to try to keep the
humidity level up.