Propagating Ivy Leafed Geraniums?

A co-worker trimmed back her hanging ivy leaf geraniums and I'd like to start some of my own plants. I've had no success just sticking them in soil without rooting hormone (which is the advice I've read at another forum)...so can anyone tell me how to get some of these started?!

Thanks!

Sandy

Geraniums really are easy to propagate. I always use a rooting hormone. I figure it gives an extra boost, plus it is feeding the plant the needed minerals & supplements to develop a healthy root system.

As for using plain soil, that is where you may run into problems. I've read that alternating sand with peat moss, is a good rooting medium for Geraniums. I always add some perlite for extra light "soil" and a couple of granules of a polymer that retains and expands when water is added. That way you don't have to worry that your rooting medium will dry out. I then insert 4 straws at each corner, then slip the whole thing into a plastic bag and use a twist tie to close it. Put it under growing lights or near a bright window and be sure to check on it every couple of days.

In a very short time, your Geranium cuttings will develop a root system. Then I would gently lift them out of the rooting medium with a pencil or similar object and transfer them to a potting mixture of soil.

I just used soil less planting mix; cut off the part I wanted to root; dipped in rooting hormone, poked a hole with a pencil; pressed in the cutting. Spritzed with a squirt bottle and the geraniums are doing good. growing etc.

TwinLakesChef,

I'm glad your Geranium cuttings are doing well. Do you cover them with plastic to maintain high humidity? I didn't see that mentioned in your posted message.

Seedsower,

From what I am able to surmise, I believe that a very light, well draining, rooting medium (either sand & peat moss or soiless mix) is the key to successful propagation.

Good Luck!

Shirley,
I didn't cover them with plastic; just spritz them with a water bottle sprayer a couple of times a day. Understand that you need to do that to keep the moisture in the leaves until the roots can develop and take over. This is the first cuttings I have ever tried and they have been doing good for about 6 weeks now. Their success is encouraging me to try other things. Supposedly geraniums are one of the easiest to do.
TLC