How do you grow Poison Ivy?

Question

First off I must say that I am not trolling, I am genuinely interested in growing this plant.

I understand what risks I am taking by trying to grow this invasive and dangerous plant, but I have taken quite an interest in it.

Obviously severe rashes are a risk, the plant, roots and stem are filled with the rash causing oils which means any mistake or improper handling wouldn't bode well for me as I am allergic to it.

You may think I am crazy and truth be told I probably am, this plant has caused me torment for many years as a kid.

My reason for growing this plant are because it is actually quite beautiful, from it's Green and Purple leaves to the hairy vine it's quite intriguing.

What is the best way to get it started? I have identified at least 10 poison ivy vines around my home and have noticed several instances of seed like pods growing from the 3 leaves; could I harvest these seeds and plant them? Or could I just take part of the plant put it into the dirt and it grow that way?

I do know the vine is very hardy and can handle many different weather conditions so it shouldn't be too hard to get it started.

Just so you know, I will be growing this in a pot, I have no interests in spreading this plant around for malicious intent. The suffering this plant can bring to people is something I don't want anyone to experience.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Just pull one out and replant it whenever you want, that should do the trick.

Today · Answer

Well, I haven't found a way to kill it yet, so if you can't get it to grow, please tell me your secret!  Otherwise, take a shovel and cut the root underground, take a nice chunk of soil with it and put it in a pot.  As best as I can tell you can't over or under water it (neither flood or drought kills it), and it seems to like sun and shade.  It has an affinity for any place you need to work bare handed, and climbing everything.  Also those furry little roots will spread the toxin just as much as those shiny little leaves.  I recommend keeping pre-exposure and post- exposure lotion on hand as well calamine.

Steven · Answer

You can grow through the leaves as you have a little one.

don_sv_az · Answer

Method 1) Dig some up, plant it. 
Method 2) Cut a piece and put bottom end in water until roots grow, plant it.

mokrie · Answer

I hate to tell you this but if you are already sensitive to poison ivy, when it is blooming in spring it will release the oils into the air and if you breathe it in you will get it inside and out and it could put you in the hospital. The airborne oils could get in your eyes also. You could be seriously endangering yourself.

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How do you grow Poison Ivy?

5 Answers