Introduction
Have you ever wanted to grow new plants without buying a lot? Water propagation is an easy and fun way to grow indoor plants using only water! Some plants, like pothos and spider plants, can grow roots in water, making it easy for anyone to try.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to grow plants in water, which plants work best, and how to care for them. By the end, you’ll have new plants to decorate your home or share with friends. Let’s get started!
Benefits of Water Propagation
Water propagation is an easy way to grow new plants without using soil. You just take a small piece of a plant, put it in water, and wait for the roots to grow. It’s an easy and fun way to grow plants. Here’s why it’s great:
It’s easy to do.
Water propagation is super easy! You don’t need soil, plant food, or special tools. Just cut a small section of a healthy plant, put it in a container of water, and let it grow. It’s perfect for beginners!
Saves money.
Instead of buying new plants, you can grow more from the plants you already have. This helps you save money. You can also share the new plants with friends and family!
Fun to watch
One of the best things about water propagation is watching the roots grow! Since the roots are in water, you can see them grow longer every day. It’s exciting and a great way to learn about plants.
Works for many plants.
Many plants can grow in water. Some of the best are:
- Pothos (devil’s ivy)
- Spider plant
- Philodendron
- Monstera
- Mint and basil (herbs you can use in cooking!)
These plants grow roots quickly in water, making them perfect for this method.
Helps keep plants healthy.
When plants are grown in soil, their roots are hidden. This makes it difficult to tell if they are healthy. But in water, you can see the roots and see if they are growing well. If the water seems dirty, you can easily change it to keep the plant healthy.
Best Indoor Plants for Water Propagation
Some plants grow really well in water, making them great for water propagation. Here are some of the best indoor plants to try:
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow in water. It grows quickly, and you can see roots in just a few days!
Cut a piece of the plant just below a leaf node (called a node), remove the bottom leaves, and place the stem in water.
Spider Plant
Spider plants grow baby plants, called spider plants, that can root in water.
Cut the baby plant and put it in water. Once the roots grow, you can leave it in water or plant it in soil.
Philodendron
This plant is super easy to grow in water and doesn’t require much care.
Cut a stem with two or more leaves, put it in water, and watch the roots grow!
Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Monstera plants grow big, beautiful leaves and look amazing in glass containers.
Cut a piece of the plant that has a node, place it in water, and wait for the roots to grow.
Lucky Bamboo
This plant can grow in water forever and is often kept in vases for decoration.
Place a small cutting in water, making sure the roots are submerged. Change the water frequently to keep it fresh.
Step-by-Step Guide to Water Propagation
An easy way to grow new plants is through water propagation. You take a small piece of the plant, put it in water, and wait for the roots to grow. Follow these easy steps to do it yourself!
Choose a healthy plant.
Choose a sturdy, healthy plant that can grow in water. Some good plants for water propagation are:
- Pothos
- Spider plant
- Phloedendron
- Monstera
- Mint or basil (herbs)
Make sure the plant looks fresh, with green leaves and no bugs or brown spots.
Cut a small piece of the plant.
Use clean scissors to cut a small piece of the plant. Here’s how: Cut just below a node (a small bump on the stem where roots and leaves grow). The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long and have one or two leaves. Remove any leaves that are touching the water (this will prevent them from rotting).
Place the cutting in water.
Fill a clean glass or jar with water. Place the plant cutting in the water so that the node is in the water, but the leaves are above the water. Use room temperature water (not too hot or too cold).
Find a good spot.
Place the jar in a spot that gets bright, indirect sunlight (not too much direct sun or the plant may burn). A windowsill or table near a window is a great spot.
Change the water often.
Change the water every 3-5 days to keep it clean. If the water looks murky, change it sooner. Use filtered water or tap water that has been left out for a few hours (this helps remove chemicals like chlorine).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watering is easy, but some mistakes can prevent plants from growing. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them!
Using dirty water
Mistake: If the water is dirty, bacteria can grow and harm the plant.
Fix: Change the water every 3-5 days to keep it fresh and clean. Use filtered water or tap water that has been left out for a few hours.
Too much sunlight
Mistake: Keeping the plant in direct sunlight can cause the water to get too hot and damage the cutting.
Fix: Keep the plant in bright but indirect sunlight, such as near a window but not in direct sunlight.
Putting the entire cutting in water
Mistake: If the leaves are submerged, they can rot and cause bacteria to grow.
Fix: Make sure only the stem and nodes are in the water – keep the leaves above the water.
Cutting the stem in the wrong place
Mistake: If you cut the plant too high or too low, its roots may not grow.
Fix: Always cut just below a node (that little bump where the roots grow).
Using the wrong size container
Mistake: A small container can limit root growth, while a container that is too large can cause bacterial growth.
Fix: Use a medium-sized glass or jar with enough room for the cutting to grow.
Conclusion
Water propagation is an easy and fun way to grow new plants. Simply take a small piece of a plant, put it in water, and watch as the roots begin to grow! If you follow the right steps — choosing a healthy plant, using clean water, and placing the cutting in a good location — you can grow strong, healthy plants.
It’s also important to avoid mistakes, such as using dirty water, exposing the plant to too much sunlight, or transplanting it into soil too soon. With care and patience, your plant cuttings will grow into beautiful new plants.
FAQs
How long does it take for roots to grow in water?
It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks for small roots to start growing, but some plants take longer. Be patient and keep the water clean!
Can all plants grow in water?
No, not all plants can grow in water. Some, like cactus and succulents, need soil. The best plants for water propagation are Pothos, Spider Plant, Philodendron, and Monstera.
How often should I change the water?
Change the water every 3 to 5 days to keep it fresh and clean. If the water looks dirty, change it sooner.
What kind of water should I use?
Use filtered water or tap water that has been left out for a few hours. This helps remove chemicals that can hurt the plant.
Can plants stay in the water forever?
Some plants, like Lucky Bamboo, can live in water for a long time. But most plants grow better if they are moved to soil once their roots are strong.