Propagation: How to Clone a Plant with Water

Plant propagation is the process of growing new plants from a variety of sources such as seeds, cuttings or roots. You can easily propagate many plants from cuttings and one of the most popular ways is through water propagation. This article will guide you through the process of how to clone a plant with water.

What You'll Need

Before you start to propagate your plant, you will need a few supplies:

A healthy, mature plant to take cuttings from

A sharp, sterile pair of pruning shears

A clean jar or vase

Demineralized or distilled water

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these simple steps to propagate your plant with water:

Start by taking a stem cutting from a healthy, mature plant. Make a clean, angled cut just below a node, which is where the leaves grow out from the stem.

Remove any leaves from the bottom two inches of the stem. This will ensure more nutrients are directed towards root growth and increase the chance of success.

Fill the clean jar or vase with demineralized or distilled water. Tap water may contain chemicals that can hinder root growth and damage the cutting.

Place the stem cutting into the jar or vase, making sure the bottom two inches of the stem are submerged in the water. You can also use floral foam to hold the cutting in place.

Place the jar or vase in a bright, warm, draft-free spot in your home, but away from direct sunlight.

Change the water in the jar or vase every few days or when it starts to look cloudy or murky. This ensures that the cutting has access to clean water and nutrients.

Within a few weeks, you should start to see roots growing from the bottom of the cutting. Once the roots are at least an inch long, you can transplant the new plant into soil.

Wait a few more weeks for the new plant to establish itself in the soil before watering it regularly.

Best Plants for Water Propagation

Many houseplants can be propagated through water, including:

Pothos

Philodendrons

Spider plants

African Violets

Chinese Evergreens

Summary

Plant propagation through water is a simple and effective way to clone a plant. With the right supplies and technique, you can grow new plants from cuttings in just a few weeks. Remember to always use clean equipment, demineralized or distilled water, and be patient as you watch your new plants grow!