I purchased a couple ivy plants, let them grow, then transplanted them - One made it, the other didn't. I also purchased some ivy cuttings specifically for transplanting off ebay. None of those made it, though they were in good condition when I recieved them. I mix plain potting soil, a lil peat moss, and perlite and miracle grow. I used transplanting hormone and cut the leaves in half as I was instructed and those all died. I recently transplanted a pot-bound ivy and it's not looking very good. I don't know if I used too much perlite or what.

Any suggestions for keeping these buggers alive? The ones that have survived are flourishing!

Whenever I planted or transplanted anything, I always used the method I learnt from my uncle ... I dug the hole, put in the transplant root-first, covered it to just below the stem's beginning, watered it well, and then had my 'motivational talk' with it just like he did with his ... I looked at 'em and said 'Grow or die'. They grew ... it works ... and no, I'm not being facetious ... I never lost one plant or transplant except to heat.

Oh - don't cut the leaves in half. If you use anything on the roots, 'Rootone' is best ... and leave the 'perlite' out.

Did you trim the roots of the pot-bound ivy before re-planting ... ? I always do that for root-bound plants ...

How long do you let the newly-prepared soil sit before transplanting? I never transplant before it sits for two weeks - otherwise there's too much risk of burning the roots.

I'm not sure about those with established roots, but, as for the cuttings, do not plant them in a pre-fertilized potting soil, or add any fertilizer, until the plant is established. as for the hormone, a product like rootone or clonex is a good idea (and a must for woody plants). Keep the cuttings in a shaded area, they will not survive full sun. Keep the soil moist, but not overly wet. As for cutting the leaves, i'm not sure i agree with that. Remove the unhealthy ones, and any suckers. If the bark is woody, gently scrape it back before applying the hormone. That should work.

Mark is a better gardener than me so his advice is probably best but I just want to say "Why do all that?"

When I transplant my ivy I make sure the pot is not too much bigger than the one that it came out of because that makes the plant spend too much time on root growth. I use regular potting soil or miracle grow potting soil and I always put rocks in the bottom of my pots to make sure the roots never sit in water. I leave the dirt that is around the roots on the roots when I move it to cause it less stress.

I water well right after the transfer and then I let it be. No straight light, no strenuous conditions like air conditioners blowing on it, etc... and I leave the soil get all the way dry before I water again.

I hope this helps.