Water propagation is a simple and rewarding method for multiplying indoor plants, allowing gardeners to observe root development and create new plants from cuttings. As reported by Love That Leaf, this technique involves selecting appropriate cuttings, placing them in water, and providing proper care to encourage robust root growth before transitioning to soil.
Choosing the Right Cuttings
- Select a healthy, disease-free plant to take cuttings from. Avoid any parts of the plant that look damaged or diseased.
- Look for stems with nodes (the bumpy parts where leaves emerge). Nodes are where roots will sprout from.
- Take cuttings that are 4-6 inches long and include at least 2-3 nodes and a few leaves at the top,
- Use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to make a clean cut just below a node.
Preparing the Cuttings
- Remove any leaves that will fall below the water line, as they can rot.
- Let the cuttings dry out for a few hours to allow the cut ends to callus over.
- Place the cuttings in a clean glass or jar filled with room temperature water, making sure the nodes are submerged.
Caring for Water-Propagated Cuttings
- Change the water every 3-5 days with fresh, room temperature water.
- Place the cuttings in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Be patient! It can take weeks or even months for roots to develop, depending on the plant.
- Once the roots are 3-5 inches long, or the cutting has produced several new roots, it's ready to pot up in soil.
- Gently remove the cutting from the water and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Water thoroughly.
Some great plants to propagate in water include:
- Pothos
- Philodendrons
- Monstera deliciosa
- Jade plants
- Tradescantia (Wandering Jew)
- Herbs like mint, parsley, rosemary, and sage
With a little time and care, you'll have a whole new generation of plants to enjoy! Water propagation is an easy, inexpensive way to expand your indoor jungle.
We also have an extensive colleection of ready to grow water plant cuttings available here
