Water propagation is one of the easiest ways to multiply your beautiful houseplants. If you’re like me, then your home can never have too many cuttings started. So, let’s get clipping!
I am an avid houseplant lover. Can a home really have too many plants? Come on, they look so beautiful! Fresh greenery brings light and vibrance to any room. Believe me, I know this because my home is an 1800s farmhouse only lit by lamps, so it gets quite dark. Thankfully, I have plants to brighten up the place!
It’s also winter right now in Pennsylvania. There’s plenty of outdoor “plant-focused” activities to do. For example, I did a DIY Winter Wreath and Liv created a stunning Winter Window Box. While I love both of these things, there’s only so much you can do outside during winter. Obviously, this makes it the perfect time of year to pour into my houseplants!
I’m not sure when I first discovered water propagation, but it has definitely changed the plant game for me. You’re telling me I don’t need to go buy a whole new plant?? I can just start my own?? Of course I’m gonna get into that!! That’s what makes water propagation so so easy and the perfect way to grow your plant collection.
To “propagate” literally means “to breed specimens of a plant by natural process” or “to spread and promote.”
Simply put, it means you’re growing a new plant from the original mother plant. Don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In fact, it’s incredibly easy. All you need is a pair of scissors, your favorite houseplant and a cute propagation vase.
One of my favorite houseplants to grow through water propagation is a Pathos. These houseplants display lovely trailing vines and multiply like crazy. Growing and staying alive really isn’t an issue for these guys. Sometimes, they get so long that they may actually need a trim. That’s where water propagation comes in handy. Instead of throwing out perfectly good vines, why not put them in a vase with some fresh water?
Placing cuttings in a clear vase also gives you the opportunity to watch the roots grow. Growth really is such a neat process! Over time, you can either transplant the cutting to soil or just allow it to keep on growing in the water.
Water Propagation FAQs
Do plant cuttings need sunlight?
Just like any other form of vegetation, plant cuttings need sunlight to grow. Most houseplants require bright, indirect sunlight that can be found next to most windows and doors. If you’re not seeing growth, try moving the plant cuttings to a new location with more sunlight. Or, try watering more/less frequently.
Where do you cut for propagation?
To cut for propagation you need to find a node. A node is where roots will stem from or where leaves grow off of. Basically, it’s where buds form. Using a pair of scissors, you will cut just below that node, where the leaf meets the stem.
What plants can be propagated in water?
One of the best plants to be propagated in water are Aroid plants. These include common houseplants like Pothos and Philodendron. Snake plants, Ivy and the Fiddle Leaf Fig can also be propagated in water. Check out this post for a complete list.
How long can propagated plants stay in water?
With the right care, propagated plants can stay in water for an indefinite amount of time! Roots will continue to grow and thrive with fresh water and bright, indirect sunlight.
How often should you change water for propagation?
You should change water for propagation every few days or whenever it is needed. If the water looks murky and discolored, it may be time to replace it with fresh water. When you see roots getting slimy, replace the water and gently rinse the roots before putting the cuttings back.
Step By Step Water Propagation
Here I’ll show you a step by step water propagation process with a beautiful Pathos. This plant has just been growing and growing, leaving me with limited space to display it! So, the easiest option for me and the best option for the plant is to take a cutting and try water propagation.
First, find a healthy vine on your houseplant. Make sure you give some length to your fresh clipping, at least 3-4 healthy looking leaves.
With a pair of scissors, you’re going to locate the node and clip right below there. A node is simply the spot where buds form. This is where the roots/leaves will stem from.
Next, take a glass jar or vase filled with water and add the clippings. Personally, I like to add multiple clippings to one jar for a fuller effect. If any of the leaves will be submerged in water, cut those off so they don’t rot.
Finally, put the water propagation vase in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Watch the roots grow and develop over time, leaving you with a beautiful new plant!
How To Care For Your Water Cuttings
Caring for the cuttings you’ve placed in water propagation is very easy. Keep checking to make sure that the water is clean. If it starts to get cloudy, murky or discolored then it’s time to change it and add fresh. Sometimes the roots can also get slimy. When this happens, change the water and gently rinse the roots before placing them back into the vase.
Keep your cuttings in a well-lit room where they receive bright, indirect sunlight. Plants can’t grow without the help of the sun!
Apparently, if you wait too long to transplant cuttings to soil they will have a hard time taking root in the soil. So, if you plan to pot this new cutting, try to do it once you see roots begin to grow. Or, you can leave the clippings in the water propagation and continue to watch the root systems grow! These cuttings will continue to thrive with minimal care and effort.
Wait, before you head out!
What houseplants will you multiply through water propagation? Let me know in the comments below! If you found this post to be helpful, share it with a friend or post it to Pinterest.
I love plants and the life that they bring to indoor spaces, especially in winter. Thank you for sharing these great tips.