Where to Cut a Plant to Root in Water

If you want to propagate a new plant from a mature one, rooting it in water is a quick and easy method you can try. However, to be successful, you need to know where to cut the plant in order to promote the growth of new roots. Here's a guide to help you with that.

Identify the Right Plant

Before you start cutting your plant to root in water, make sure you have the right kind of plant. Not all plants can be propagated this way, and certain plants do better with this method than others. For example, herbs, ivies, and succulents are ideal candidates for water rooting, while woody plants, such as trees and shrubs, are not.

Choose the Right Stem

Once you've identified the right plant, you need to choose the right stem to cut. The stem you choose should be healthy and mature, but not too woody. It's also important that the stem has at least one node that will be submerged in water. Nodes are the points along the stem where leaves, branches, or buds emerge.

Cut the Stem

Take a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, and cut the stem at an angle just below the node. The angle of the cut will help water and nutrients flow into the stem more easily. You should also cut the stem to the length you desire for your new plant. Make sure the cut is clean and not ragged, as a clean cut will help prevent infection and disease.

Remove Leaves

Once you have made the cut, remove any leaves that will be submerged in water. Leaving these leaves will cause them to rot, which can spread to the whole plant and cause it to fail. If there are any upper leaves that are large, you can also remove those to reduce moisture loss through transpiration.

Put it in Water

Now that you have a clean, cut stem with leaves removed, it's time to put it in water. Fill a jar with clean water, and place the stem in the jar. Make sure the node is submerged in water. You can also add a few drops of rooting hormone to the water to help stimulate root growth.

Monitor Growth

Place the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light, and monitor the growth of your new plant. You should begin to see roots growing in a few weeks. Once the roots are long enough (about 2-3 inches), you can transplant your new plant into soil.

Conclusion

Rooting plants in water is a simple and rewarding way to propagate new plants from old ones. By following these steps and choosing the right plant and stem, you can easily create new plants to enjoy in your home or garden.