Did you know that you can easily double your houseplant collection? Seriously, all you need to do is gather some plant cuttings and propagate them. Thanks to the magic of propagation, these plant cuttings can grow their own root system in just a few weeks. When big enough, you can transplant these cuttings to the soil, where it will become a huge houseplant. Here’s everything you need to know about propagating houseplants in water. I’ll even break down when the best time to make the transition to soil is.
How To Take Houseplant Cuttings
To propagate houseplants, first, you’ll have to take your own houseplant cuttings. Cuttings can be taken from an adult plant at any time during its growth cycle. Choose stems that are green and non-woody. Both will produce roots, but woody cuttings will take longer. In order to root a cutting successfully, you must take a cutting with a node on the stem. A node is a bump on the stem where a flower or leaf used to be.
Propagating Houseplants In Water
To propagate your houseplants in water, fill a clear glass container with water. Any kind of container will do, but I like to pick ones that are skinner up top because it’s easier to keep cuttings upright in this way. Change out the water every few weeks and keep the bottom few inches of your plant cutting submerged in water.
Depending on the plant variety, you should start to notice new roots forming after 10-14 days. However, after a time, you will have to transplant the houseplant cuttings into soil. I like to wait to transplant my cuttings from water to soil until after the roots have grown to be 4 inches long, and there are lots of smaller root offsets. The more roots on the plant, the better off you will be. Transplant cuttings into potting soil and keep consistently moist. Plant cuttings require more care and water than other more mature plants, so check soil moisture often. Dry soil will kill a new houseplant instantly.
Propagating houseplants in water is a really inexpensive way to double your garden. All you need is water, and then a new pot and some soil in a few months. Plus, it’s a blast to watch the roots grow. I know several gardeners who only grow cuttings in water, and their collections are absolutely gorgeous. I have a whole wall in my house dedicated to propagating plants!
