Can I Root Goldfish Plant in Water?

Goldfish plant, also known as Hypocyrta nummularia, is a beautiful houseplant that is admired for its unique foliage and charming flowers. If you are a fan of this plant and want to propagate it, you might be wondering whether it is possible to root goldfish plant in water. In this article, we will explore this question and provide you with some essential tips on how to propagate goldfish plant successfully.

The Water Propagation Method

One of the easiest and most popular ways to propagate goldfish plant is through water propagation. This method involves rooting the stem cuttings in water until they develop roots and can be planted in soil. To propagate a Goldfish plant through water, you will need the following:

A sturdy pair of scissors or shears

A clean jar or vase

Room-temperature water

A warm and bright spot in your home

Once you have gathered these materials, follow these simple steps:

Select a healthy stem from your goldfish plant.

Using your scissors or shears, make a clean cut about 4 to 6 inches from the tip of the stem.

Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. This will ensure that the stem has enough energy to focus on developing roots.

Fill your jar or vase with room-temperature water and place your cutting inside it, making sure that the end of the stem is submerged in water.

Choose a warm and bright spot in your home, away from direct sunlight, and place your jar or vase there.

Change the water every other day, to keep it clean and free of any bacteria that could harm your cutting.

After a few weeks, your cutting should develop roots. Once the roots are around 1 inch long, you can carefully transfer your cutting to a pot with fresh potting soil.

Other Propagation Methods

While water propagation is one of the easiest and most effective ways to propagate goldfish plant, there are other methods you can use as well, such as stem cutting propagation and plant division. Here is a brief overview of these two methods:

Stem Cutting Propagation

Stem cutting propagation involves taking a stem cutting from your goldfish plant and rooting it in potting soil. To do this:

Select a healthy stem from your goldfish plant.

Using your scissors or shears, make a clean cut about 4 to 6 inches from the tip of the stem.

Remove the leaves from the lower half of the stem. This will ensure that the stem has enough energy to focus on developing roots.

Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, which will promote root growth.

Plant the stem cutting in a pot with fresh potting soil, making sure that the soil is moist and well-draining.

Place your pot in a warm and bright spot, away from direct sunlight, and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

After a few weeks, your cutting should develop roots and start growing new leaves.

Plant Division

If your goldfish plant has become too big or you notice new growth coming up from the sides of the plant, you can divide it into smaller plants. To do this:

Remove your goldfish plant from its pot and gently shake off any excess soil.

Inspect the plant for any new growth or smaller offshoots that can be removed and planted separately.

Using your scissors or shears, carefully cut the offshoots or new growth from the parent plant. Make sure that each cutting has its own roots and a few healthy leaves.

Plant each cutting in a pot with fresh potting soil, making sure that the soil is moist and well-draining.

Place your pots in a warm and bright spot, away from direct sunlight, and keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Conclusion

Propagation is an exciting way to expand your collection of houseplants, and goldfish plant is no exception. While water propagation is one of the easiest and most effective methods, you can also use stem cuttings or plant division to propagate your goldfish plant successfully. Whatever method you choose, make sure that you give your cuttings enough warmth, light, and moisture to encourage root growth and new leaf development. With a little patience and care, you can easily propagate goldfish plant and enjoy its beautiful foliage and flowers in no time.