Top 8 Plants That Can Be Grown From Cuttings In Water

Growing plants from cuttings in water is a simple and rewarding way to expand your garden without spending money on new plants. This method allows you to propagate plants easily and watch the roots develop before transferring them to soil. Here are the top eight plants that can be successfully grown from cuttings in water.

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular houseplant known for its hardiness and ease of propagation. To propagate Pothos in water, cut a section of the stem below a node (where a leaf attaches to the stem) and place it in a jar of water. Ensure at least one node is submerged, as this is where the roots will grow from. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Within a few weeks, you’ll see roots developing. Pothos thrives in indirect light and can adapt to various indoor conditions, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are renowned for their ability to produce numerous baby plants, or “pups,” which can be easily propagated in water. Cut off one of the pups, ensuring it has a small root system already forming, and place it in a glass of water. The roots will continue to grow, and once they are a few inches long, you can transplant the new plant into soil. Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light and are known for their air-purifying qualities, making them a valuable addition to any home.

3. Philodendron

Philodendrons are another easy-to-propagate houseplant. Take a cutting from a healthy Philodendron plant, making sure it includes at least one node. Place the cutting in water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water regularly to prevent stagnation and encourage healthy root growth. Within a few weeks, roots will start to form, and you can transfer the cutting to soil once they are sufficiently developed. Philodendrons are versatile plants that thrive in low to bright indirect light, making them a popular choice for indoor gardeners.

4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy is a versatile and hardy plant that can be propagated in water with ease. Take a cutting from the vine, ensuring it has several leaves and at least one node. Submerge the node in water and place the cutting in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. After a few weeks, you’ll notice roots forming. Once the roots are a few inches long, the cutting can be transferred to soil. English Ivy is an excellent plant for hanging baskets or as a ground cover in the garden.

5. Mint (Mentha)

Mint is an aromatic herb that can be easily propagated from cuttings in water. Cut a healthy stem from a mint plant, making sure it is about 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water. Keep the glass in a bright location, changing the water every few days. Mint roots quickly in water, and within a week or two, you’ll see roots developing. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can plant the cutting in soil. Mint grows vigorously, so it’s best to keep it in a pot to prevent it from overtaking your garden.

6. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is a popular culinary herb that can be propagated in water. Take a cutting from a healthy basil plant, ensuring it is about 4-6 inches long. Remove the lower leaves and place the stem in a glass of water. Keep the glass in a sunny location, changing the water every few days. Basil roots quickly in water, and within a couple of weeks, you’ll see roots forming. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to soil. Basil thrives in warm, sunny conditions and is a great addition to any kitchen garden.

7. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)

Coleus is known for its vibrant foliage and can be easily propagated from cuttings in water. Take a cutting from a healthy Coleus plant, making sure it includes at least one node. Place the cutting in water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation. Within a few weeks, roots will begin to form. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to soil. Coleus prefers bright, indirect light and moist, well-drained soil, making it an excellent choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.

8. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Fiddle Leaf Fig is a trendy houseplant that can be propagated from cuttings in water, although it requires a bit more patience. Take a cutting from a healthy Fiddle Leaf Fig plant, ensuring it includes at least one leaf and a node. Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh. It may take several weeks for roots to develop, but with patience, you’ll eventually see them forming. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to soil. Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

Conclusion

Growing plants from cuttings in water is a rewarding and cost-effective way to expand your garden. Pothos, Spider Plant, Philodendron, English Ivy, Mint, Basil, Coleus, and Fiddle Leaf Fig are all excellent choices for this propagation method. By following the simple steps for each plant, you can enjoy watching new roots develop and create new plants to enhance your indoor or outdoor garden. Remember to change the water regularly and provide the right light conditions to ensure successful propagation. Happy gardening!