Top 10 Plants That Can Be Grown from Cuttings in Water ☘

Growing plants from cuttings is an economical and rewarding way to expand your garden.

Propagating plants in water is particularly fascinating as you can watch the roots develop.

Here’s an in-depth look at the top 10 plants that can be grown from cuttings in water, ensuring your home is greener and your gardening skills are sharper.

Gardening enthusiasts and beginners alike often look for easy and effective ways to propagate plants.

One such method is growing plants from cuttings in water.

This technique not only saves money but also provides a mesmerizing glimpse into the growth process of plants.

By understanding which plants thrive in water and the specific steps to ensure successful propagation, you can cultivate a variety of plants in your own home.

This article delves into the top 10 plants that are best suited for water propagation, offering detailed insights into the process and care required for each plant.

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is one of the most popular plants for water propagation due to its hardy nature and striking appearance.

Native to the Solomon Islands, this tropical plant is known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, which come in various shades of green and variegation patterns.

Propagation Process

Choosing the Cutting: Select a healthy vine with at least four to six inches of growth. Ensure that the cutting has a few leaves and at least two to three nodes (the points where leaves emerge).
Cutting Preparation: Using sterilized scissors or a knife, make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the leaves near the bottom of the cutting to expose the nodes, which will be submerged in water.
Water Placement: Place the cutting in a clear container filled with clean, room-temperature water. Ensure that at least one node is submerged, as this is where the roots will develop.
Light and Maintenance: Position the container in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Change the water every week to prevent stagnation and encourage healthy root growth.

Care Tips

Water Quality: Use distilled or rainwater if possible, as tap water may contain chlorine and other chemicals that can inhibit root growth.
Temperature: Maintain a consistent room temperature between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Root Development: Roots usually start appearing within two weeks. Once the roots are a few inches long, the plant can either be transferred to soil or continue to grow in water.

Pothos is a forgiving plant that thrives in various conditions, making it perfect for water propagation.

Its resilience and ability to grow quickly make it a favorite among both novice and experienced gardeners.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are another excellent choice for water propagation.

These plants are characterized by their arching, grassy leaves and the small plantlets, or “spiderettes,” that dangle from the parent plant.

Native to South Africa, spider plants are well-suited for indoor environments and are known for their air-purifying qualities.

Propagation Process

Identifying the Spiderettes: Spider plants produce small offshoots or “babies” that can be easily rooted in water. Look for spiderettes that have several leaves and small, developing roots.
Cutting the Spiderettes: Using sterilized scissors, cut the spiderettes from the main plant, ensuring you leave a small stem attached to each offshoot.
Water Placement: Place the spiderettes in a container of clean water, ensuring that the base of the offshoot, where the roots will form, is submerged. Use a shallow dish or a small jar for this purpose.
Light and Maintenance: Position the container in a well-lit area with indirect sunlight. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.

Care Tips

Water Quality: Use filtered or distilled water to avoid chlorine and fluoride, which can damage delicate new roots.
Root Development: Spiderettes typically start developing roots within a week. Once the roots are about an inch long, they can be planted in soil or left to grow in water.

Spider plants are hardy and adapt well to various conditions.

Their ease of propagation and rapid growth make them an excellent plant for anyone looking to expand their indoor garden.

3. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

Philodendrons, with their lush, tropical foliage, are a popular choice for water propagation.

These plants are native to the rainforests of Central and South America and come in various species, each with unique leaf shapes and colors.

Propagation Process

Selecting the Cutting: Choose a healthy stem with several leaves and at least two to three nodes. Ensure the cutting is about six inches long.
Preparing the Cutting: Use sterilized scissors to cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes.
Water Placement: Place the cutting in a clear container filled with clean water, ensuring that at least one node is submerged.
Light and Maintenance: Position the container in bright, indirect sunlight. Change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth.

Care Tips

Water Quality: Use filtered or rainwater to avoid harmful chemicals.
Temperature: Keep the plant in a warm environment, ideally between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
Root Development: Philodendrons typically begin rooting within two weeks. Once roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to soil or leave it in water.

Philodendrons are versatile and forgiving plants, making them ideal for water propagation.

Their attractive foliage and ease of care add a tropical touch to any indoor space.

4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy is a versatile and vigorous plant that thrives in various environments.

Native to Europe and Western Asia, this climbing plant is known for its distinctive, lobed leaves and ability to grow in both indoor and outdoor settings.

Propagation Process

Choosing the Cutting: Select a healthy vine with several leaves and at least two to three nodes. A cutting of about six to eight inches works best.
Preparing the Cutting: Use sterilized scissors to cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting to expose the nodes.
Water Placement: Place the cutting in a container of clean water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged.
Light and Maintenance: Keep the container in a bright area with indirect sunlight. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.

Care Tips

Water Quality: Use distilled or filtered water to avoid chemical buildup.
Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Root Development: Roots typically appear within two to three weeks. Once the roots are a few inches long, the plant can be transferred to soil or continue growing in water.

English Ivy is a resilient plant that adapts well to various conditions.

Its rapid growth and ease of propagation make it a popular choice for indoor gardens and green spaces.

5. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)

Coleus is renowned for its vibrant foliage and ease of propagation.

Native to Southeast Asia and Australia, this plant is available in a myriad of colors and patterns, making it a favorite among gardeners.

Propagation Process

Selecting the Cutting: Choose a healthy stem with at least two to three nodes and a few leaves. A cutting of about four to six inches is ideal.
Preparing the Cutting: Use sterilized scissors to cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes.
Water Placement: Place the cutting in a container of clean water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged.
Light and Maintenance: Position the container in a bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation.

Care Tips

Water Quality: Use distilled or filtered water for best results.
Temperature: Keep the plant in a warm environment, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Root Development: Coleus typically roots within two weeks. Once the roots are a few inches long, the plant can be transferred to soil or continue growing in water.

Coleus is a striking plant that adds a splash of color to any space.

Its ease of propagation and vibrant foliage make it a must-have for any garden.

6. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Mint is a versatile herb known for its aromatic leaves and ease of growth.

Native to Europe, Africa, and Asia, mint is a hardy plant that can be easily propagated in water.

Propagation Process

Selecting the Cutting: Choose a healthy stem with several sets of leaves. A cutting of about four to six inches is ideal.
Preparing the Cutting: Use sterilized scissors to cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
Water Placement: Place the cutting in a container of clean water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged.
Light and Maintenance: Position the container in a bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.

Care Tips

Water Quality: Use distilled or filtered water to avoid chemical buildup.
Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Root Development: Mint typically roots within a week. Once the roots are a few inches long, the plant can be transferred to soil or continue growing in water.

Mint is a robust plant that grows quickly and adds a fresh scent to your home.

Its ease of propagation and fast growth make it a favorite for indoor herb gardens.

7. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Basil is a popular herb known for its aromatic leaves and culinary uses.

Native to tropical regions of central Africa to Southeast Asia, basil is easy to propagate in water.

Propagation Process

Selecting the Cutting: Choose a healthy stem with at least two to three sets of leaves. A cutting of about four to six inches is ideal.
Preparing the Cutting: Use sterilized scissors to cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes.
Water Placement: Place the cutting in a container of clean water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged.
Light and Maintenance: Position the container in a bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation.

Care Tips

Water Quality: Use distilled or filtered water for best results.
Temperature: Keep the plant in a warm environment, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Root Development: Basil typically roots within a week. Once the roots are a few inches long, the plant can be transferred to soil or continue growing in water.

Basil is a fragrant herb that is easy to grow and propagate.

Its culinary uses and rapid growth make it a valuable addition to any indoor garden.

8. Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)

Geraniums are beloved for their bright flowers and pleasant fragrance.

Native to South Africa, these plants are easy to propagate in water and add a splash of color to any space.

Propagation Process

Selecting the Cutting: Choose a healthy stem with several sets of leaves. A cutting of about six to eight inches is ideal.
Preparing the Cutting: Use sterilized scissors to cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
Water Placement: Place the cutting in a container of clean water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged.
Light and Maintenance: Position the container in a bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.

Care Tips

Water Quality: Use distilled or filtered water to avoid chemical buildup.
Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 60-75°F (15-24°C).
Root Development: Geraniums typically root within two weeks. Once the roots are a few inches long, the plant can be transferred to soil or continue growing in water.

Geraniums are versatile plants that brighten any space.

Their ease of propagation and vibrant flowers make them a favorite among gardeners.

9. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)

Wandering Jew is a trailing plant known for its striking foliage.

Native to Mexico and Central America, this plant is easy to propagate in water and adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.

Propagation Process

Selecting the Cutting: Choose a healthy stem with several sets of leaves. A cutting of about four to six inches is ideal.
Preparing the Cutting: Use sterilized scissors to cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
Water Placement: Place the cutting in a container of clean water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged.
Light and Maintenance: Position the container in a bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation.

Care Tips

Water Quality: Use distilled or filtered water for best results.
Temperature: Keep the plant in a warm environment, ideally between 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Root Development: Wandering Jew typically roots within a week. Once the roots are a few inches long, the plant can be transferred to soil or continue growing in water.

Wandering Jew is a beautiful plant that grows quickly and adds visual interest to any space.

Its ease of propagation and striking appearance make it a popular choice for indoor gardens.

10. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)

African Violets are cherished for their charming flowers and fuzzy leaves.

Native to Tanzania and adjacent southeastern Kenya, these plants can be propagated in water, though it requires a bit more patience compared to other plants on this list.

Propagation Process

Selecting the Cutting: Choose a healthy leaf with a long stem. Use sterilized scissors to cut the leaf with a stem length of about one to two inches.
Preparing the Cutting: Remove the leaf’s petiole to expose the base of the stem, which will be submerged in water.
Water Placement: Place the stem in a container of clean water, ensuring that the leaf is above water level while the stem is submerged.
Light and Maintenance: Position the container in a bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.

Care Tips

Water Quality: Use distilled or filtered water to avoid chemical buildup.
Temperature: Maintain a temperature between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
Root Development: African Violets can take several weeks to a few months to root. Be patient and maintain consistent care.

African Violets are delicate but rewarding plants. Their beautiful flowers and ease of propagation make them a beloved choice for indoor gardeners.