Question: Hi, I'd like to root some hedera variagated ivy. I have a sickly adult potted one that has lost most its leaves. If I cut the ends of the vines into 6" pieces with no leaves at all, do they possibly stand a chance to root if I also first apply rooting hormone to the cut end and put in potting soil? Thanks, Don. - Thanks, Don

Judy's Answer: Hi Don, The first question is why is your old ivy sickly and minus all of it leaves. Did it lose all of its leaves because of overwatering or because it has spider mites or some fungus? If it has some kind of disease or bug you'll just have the same problem with the new plants you start from it. If you overwatered & it lost leaves then it's okay to take cuttings from it.

The second question: are the vines you want to cut up still alive? Check to see if the stem is still green all the way down. If the stem has started to turn brown and hard; it's dead and the tips are worthless for new starts. Your chances are always better if you are using the 4"-6" tips of healthy vines that have leaves on them. I recommend taking the leaves off of the bottom third of the cutting only.

In your case I would cut your old plant way back; that may encourage lots of new growth & the plant could look good again one day.
Your tips are coming from questionable stock. You can try planting some tips directly in soil (hormones will definitely help) but also try rooting some of the tips in water as a backup in case the first method doesn't work.

Good luck,
Judy