How to propagate nerve plant in water

The nerve plant, also known as Fittonia, is a popular houseplant due to its colorful and unique foliage. Propagating nerve plants can be a fun and rewarding process, and can even result in a new plant to add to your collection. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of propagating a nerve plant in water.

What you need

Before you start propagating your nerve plant, make sure you have the following materials:

Sharp, clean scissors

Glass jar or container

Clean, room temperature water

Piece of plastic wrap or a plastic bag

A healthy, mature nerve plant to take cuttings from

Step 1: Choose a healthy plant to take cuttings from

The first step in propagating your nerve plant is to choose a healthy, mature plant to take cuttings from. Look for a plant with full leaves and no signs of disease or pests. Take a look at the stem, and locate a spot where there are at least two leaf nodes present. These are the spots where the roots will form.

Step 2: Cut the stem

Using sharp, clean scissors, cut a stem from your nerve plant that is at least 3-4 inches long. Make sure to cut the stem at a slight angle, as this will help the plant absorb water more easily. Remove any leaves that are present on the bottom 1-2 inches of the stem. This will allow the plant to focus its energy on producing roots rather than leaves.

Step 3: Place the stem in water

Fill a glass jar or container with clean, room temperature water. Place the stem in the water, making sure that at least one or two leaf nodes are submerged. You can add a few drops of liquid fertilizer to the water if you'd like, although this is not necessary.

Step 4: Cover the container

Cover the jar or container with a piece of plastic wrap or a plastic bag. This will help to create a humid environment around the nerve plant cutting, which will promote the growth of roots. Place the container in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight.

Step 5: Monitor and maintain

Check on your nerve plant cutting regularly over the next few weeks. Make sure to change the water every 2-3 days to prevent the growth of bacteria. You should start to see roots forming after 2-3 weeks. Once the roots are at least an inch long, you can transplant the cutting into soil.

In conclusion

Propagating nerve plants in water can be a fun and easy way to expand your plant collection. By following these steps, you can successfully grow new plants from your healthy, mature nerve plants.