How to Plant a Water-Rooted Bush Clipping

If you're looking to start a new garden or add some greenery to your existing one, planting water-rooted bush clippings can be a great way to do it. With a little bit of patience, some basic tools, and the following steps, you can successfully plant a water-rooted bush clipping and watch it grow into a full bush.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you start planting, you'll need to gather the tools and materials you'll need for the process. This includes:

Sharp pair of pruning shears

Small container filled with water

Rooting hormone powder (optional)

Potting soil

Planting pot

Watering can

Step 2: Take a Cutting

The first step in planting a water-rooted bush clipping is to take a cutting from an existing bush. Use a sharp pair of pruning shears to cut a 4-6 inch piece off of the tip of a healthy stem, making sure to take the cutting from new growth rather than older, woody stems. You'll want to make the cut at a 45-degree angle to ensure that the stem can easily absorb water and nutrients once it's planted.

Step 3: Prepare the Cutting

Once you've taken your cutting, it's time to prepare it for planting. Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only the top two or three leaves in place. If you're using rooting hormone powder, dip the bottom of the stem into the powder and gently tap off the excess.

Step 4: Place the Cutting in Water

Next, place the stem directly into a small container filled with water. Be sure to submerge the entire stem, but not the leaves. Make sure the container is placed in a warm, indirect light spot, as too much direct sunlight can cause the cutting to dry out.

Step 5: Watch for Root Growth

Over the next few weeks, keep an eye on the cutting to see if roots begin to grow. You should see small roots emerge from the bottom of the stem within a couple of weeks. Once the roots are about 1 inch long, your cutting is ready to plant.

Step 6: Plant the Cutting

Fill a small planting pot with potting soil and make a small hole in the center. Gently remove the cutting from the water and place it in the hole, making sure that the roots are completely covered with soil. Lightly press the soil around the stem to hold it in place.

Step 7: Water Your New Plant

Finally, give your newly planted cutting a good drink of water using a watering can. Be sure to moisten the soil thoroughly, but avoid drenching it with water. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and water it regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist.

With these simple steps, you should be able to successfully plant a water-rooted bush clipping and watch it grow into a beautiful, healthy bush!