making babies

I spend so much money every year on my addiction - gardening.
This year, I'm trying to be smart and start some of my own plants.
Last fall, I brought into the house three big ice plants that I saved from the year before.  These plants have variegated, shiny, waxy leaves and bright red tiny flowers.  A great thing for spilling down the side of containers. 


Of course, I want more to put in my outside containers if and when it ever turns to summer around here.

So I checked my friend the Internet, and low and behold - directions.  Here they are:

Cut 4-inch pieces of vine with a sharp knife or secateurs.

Lay them out in an area of indirect light for a day or so.  That gives the cut ends time to callus over.
Fill planting containers that have drainage holes with good quality potting soil.  Water thoroughly.
Pinch off the leaves on the bottom 2 inches of the stem.
With a pencil, poke holes in the soil.  I put three cuttings in each 4-inch pot.
Push the stems into the holes, and press the soil down firmly.

Keep the cuttings in a bright area out of direct sun, and that's all there is to it.  So easy and cheap!
The cuttings have grown very well, and all survived!  I had a bit less luck with my geranium slips.  Two out of six didn't make it, but I have enough for my containers.  I think the problem was I didn't use rooting hormone before sticking them in soil.