When to Take Plants Propagated in Water Out

Water propagation is a popular technique for starting new plants from cuttings. It is an easy and inexpensive way to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant. However, before you can enjoy your newly propagated plants, you must know when to take them out of the water and plant them in soil. In this article, we’ll explore the signs that indicate when it’s time to transfer your propagated plants from water to soil.

The roots are long enough

The first sign that it’s time to take your propagated plants out of the water is when the roots are long enough. While it is important to have enough roots to support the plant, it is also crucial not to leave the plant in water for too long. Once the roots have grown to be about an inch long, it’s time to move the plant to soil. If the roots get too long, they can become tangled and difficult to untangle without damaging the plant.

They have enough leaves

Another sign that it’s time to take your propagated plants out of the water is when the plant has enough leaves. Plants need leaves for photosynthesis, which is how they produce energy. If the plant does not have enough leaves, it may struggle to adjust to its new environment and may not survive the transition from water to soil. Generally, once the plant has around four to six leaves, it should be ready to be planted in soil.

The stem is sturdy

The stem of the plant is another important factor to consider before taking your propagated plants out of the water. If the stem is too weak or thin, the plant may not have the support it needs to survive in soil. A sturdy stem is a sign that the plant is mature enough to be transplanted to soil. When the stem can support the weight of the plant without collapsing, it is time to transfer to soil.

Conclusion

Knowing when to take plants propagated in water out is crucial to their survival. Transferring them to soil at the right time ensures they have a good chance of continuing to grow healthily. Keep an eye out for the signs we’ve discussed in this article: when the roots are long enough, the plant has enough leaves, and the stem is sturdy. When you see these signs, it’s time to take your propagated plants out of the water and transplant them into soil.