#Plants #Propagate #Water #Indoors
If you’re anything like me, you get a little thrill when you see new roots growing in a jar of water on your windowsill. Water propagation is like getting free plants from plants you already have—and who doesn’t love that?
But which plants are the easiest to multiply this way, especially if you’re new to this whole propagation game?
Read on…spoiler alert: YOU’RE ABOUT TO DISCOVER 14 PLANT FRIENDS THAT LOVE GROWING IN WATER!
Pothos
Pothos (Epiphaemum aureum) ranks among the most foolproof houseplants for water propagation, making it perfect for gardeners just starting their plant parenthood journey.
The trailing vines of pothos grow quickly and can reach impressive lengths, which means plenty of opportunities to create new plants from cuttings. Each node along the vine can potentially become a new plant.
To propagate, cut a piece of vine with 4-5 leaves, making sure to include at least one node. Remove the bottom leaves and place the cutting in water. Within a few weeks, white roots will emerge from the nodes.
Change the water weekly to keep it fresh and prevent algae growth. Once the roots reach 2-3 inches, your cutting is ready for soil.
Philodendron
Philodendrons rank among the most forgiving houseplants for water propagation, making them perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners. Their trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves add a natural element to any indoor space.
To propagate, cut a healthy stem just below a leaf node, ensuring your cutting has 2-3 leaves. Remove the bottom leaf and place the cutting in a clear container with room temperature water. Position the container in bright, indirect light.
Within 2-3 weeks, white roots will emerge from the nodes. Once the roots reach 2-3 inches long, transplant your new philodendron into well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks to help your plant adjust to its new home.
Spider Plant
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) make propagation almost too easy with their dangling babies, called plantlets or spiderettes, that grow naturally from long stems.
These hanging houseplants practically beg to be multiplied, offering free plants to share with friends or fill empty corners in your home. The plantlets come complete with tiny roots, ready to grow when separated from the mother plant.
Simply snip off a plantlet and place it in a container of fresh water. Change the water weekly to keep it clean and prevent algae growth. Within a few weeks, you’ll notice the roots growing longer and stronger, signaling it’s time to pot up your new spider plant.
Mint
Mint (Mentha) spreads quickly in garden beds, which makes it perfect for propagating in water. Many gardeners actually prefer growing mint this way to keep it contained and prevent it from taking over their gardens.
Fresh mint cuttings root readily in water, usually showing new growth within a week. Simply snip a 4-6 inch stem, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a glass of water. Keep the container in a spot with indirect light.
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent algae growth. Once roots are 2-3 inches long, you can transplant your new mint plant into soil or continue growing it hydroponically for a steady supply of fresh leaves.
Rosemary
Rosemary’s woody stems make it a reliable choice for water propagation, especially when you snip fresh cuttings in spring or early summer.
Taking 4-6 inch cuttings from the soft, new growth gives you the best shot at successful rooting. Remove the lower leaves and place the stems in a clear glass of water on a bright windowsill.
After 2-3 weeks, you’ll notice tiny white roots emerging from the nodes where you removed the leaves. Once these roots reach about an inch long, your new rosemary plants are ready for potting in soil.
Coleus
Coleus plants bring bold patterns and leaf shapes to any indoor space, making them perfect candidates for water propagation.
Taking stem cuttings from coleus is straightforward – just snip below a leaf node and remove the bottom leaves. Place the stems in a clear container of water, and within a week or two, you’ll spot tiny roots emerging.
Keep the water fresh by changing it every few days, and once the roots reach about 2 inches long, you can transfer your new coleus to soil. The process is so reliable that you might find yourself with more plants than you bargained for.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) have gained popularity as houseplants, and their large, violin-shaped leaves make them easy to identify.
While these plants can grow quite tall in pots, propagating them in water lets you create new plants from stem cuttings. The key is choosing a healthy stem with at least two leaves and placing it in clean water.
Keep the water fresh by changing it weekly, and watch for roots to develop within 4-6 weeks. Once the roots reach a few inches long, your new fiddle leaf fig is ready for potting in soil.
Begonia
Looking for a plant that shows off its roots like a living art piece? Begonias put on quite a show when propagated in water, with their pink-tinged roots creating an eye-catching display beneath the surface.
Cut a healthy stem just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves. Pop it in a clear glass container, and within a few weeks, you’ll see those distinctive roots emerging. Keep the water fresh and place the container in bright, indirect light.
These easy-going plants don’t ask for much – just clean water and occasional sunshine. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can either keep them as water plants or pot them up in soil.
English Ivy
English ivy (Hedera helix) makes a fantastic starter plant for water propagation, thanks to its quick-growing nature and easygoing personality. Just snip a few stems from your existing plant, remove the bottom leaves, and pop them in water.
The trailing vines create an instant decorative touch in any room, and you’ll see roots emerging within a couple of weeks. Keep your ivy cuttings in moderate light, and change the water weekly to prevent any funky buildup.
These plants aren’t picky about their growing conditions, but they’ll produce more leaves and stronger roots if you place them near a bright window without direct sun beating down on them.
Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet potato vines are like that friendly neighbor who always shares their garden surplus. Cut a few stems from an existing plant, pop them in water, and watch roots emerge within days. The trailing stems create a lovely cascade effect in clear glass containers, making them perfect for kitchen windowsills or office desks.
Growing these vines in water lets you enjoy their heart-shaped leaves year-round, even when outdoor temperatures drop. Place them where they’ll get bright light, and change the water weekly to keep the roots happy. Once the roots reach a few inches long, you can either leave them in water or transplant them to soil for a fuller plant.
Peperomia
If you’re looking for a low-stakes way to expand your peperomia collection, water propagation is your answer. The thick, fleshy leaves on these compact plants contain enough stored energy to support new root growth without much fuss.
Cut a healthy leaf with about 2 inches of stem attached, pop it in water, and watch those white roots emerge within a few weeks. You can propagate several leaves at once in the same container – they make for a cute temporary display while you wait.
Keep your cuttings in a spot with bright indirect light, and change the water weekly to prevent any funky business. Once the roots reach about an inch long, they’re ready for soil.
Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew (Tradescantia fluminensis) adds a splash of purple and green to any room with its trailing vines and striped foliage. The plant grows quickly in bright, indirect light and makes an excellent choice for hanging baskets or shelf displays.
The nodes along the stems readily produce roots when placed in water, making this plant perfect for propagation. Simply cut a few stems below the nodes, remove the bottom leaves, and place them in a clear container of water. Within a week or two, you’ll see new roots forming.
Keep the water clean and fresh by changing it weekly. Your cuttings will thrive in water indefinitely, though they may need occasional trimming to maintain their shape and prevent them from becoming too leggy.
Tip: For best results, choose healthy stems with at least 2-3 nodes for propagation.
African Violet
African violets (Saintpaulia) bring a welcome touch of purple, pink, or white blooms to indoor spaces. These compact plants have fuzzy, rounded leaves and produce flowers nearly year-round when given the right care. While they’re usually grown in soil, water propagation offers an easy way to multiply your collection.
Take a healthy leaf with its stem and place it in a small container of water, making sure only the stem touches the liquid. After a few weeks, tiny roots will emerge from the stem’s base. Soon after, small plantlets will develop at the water line, ready to be separated into individual plants.
Keep the water fresh and avoid getting the fuzzy leaves wet to prevent rot. Once the new plants have several leaves, they can be moved to soil for continued growth.
Tip: Use room temperature water and change it weekly to prevent bacteria growth.
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) plants rank among the most forgiving houseplants you can grow. Their variegated leaves bring life to low-light corners where other plants struggle, making them perfect for offices and north-facing rooms.
The thick stems of Chinese evergreens contain the building blocks for new plants. Cut a stem into 6-inch sections, making sure each piece has at least one leaf node, and place them in water. Within a few weeks, roots will emerge from the nodes, ready for their new home.
These plants grow slowly in water, which means less maintenance compared to soil-grown specimens. Just change the water weekly and remove any yellowing leaves to keep your cuttings healthy.
Tip: Keep the water level just high enough to cover the nodes while leaving the leaves above water to prevent rot.
How to Grow Plants in Water
Select Your Container
Choose any water-holding vessel for your hydroponic garden. While glass jars and vases offer visual appeal by showcasing developing root systems, they’re susceptible to algae growth. For easier maintenance, consider opaque containers that block light and reduce algae formation.
Assess Lighting Requirements
Research your specific plant’s light preferences before positioning it. Each species has unique sunlight needs—some thrive in bright, direct light while others prefer filtered or indirect exposure. Match your plant’s location to its natural habitat requirements.
Maintain Water Quality
Replace the water regularly, particularly when it appears cloudy or develops an odor. Use chlorine-free water whenever possible, as chemicals can stress plant roots. Support growth by adding water-soluble fertilizer diluted to quarter strength, compensating for nutrients typically found in soil.
Additional Tips
- Let chlorinated tap water sit for 24-48 hours to allow chemicals to dissipate before use
- Apply diluted liquid fertilizer to promote healthy, vigorous growth
- Add activated charcoal to container bottoms to naturally filter water and maintain clarity
