How to Propagate Houseplants in Water

To propagate a houseplant in water, cut a stem just below a node, put it in a jar of water with the node submerged, change the water regularly, and pot it up once roots are a few inches long. It is one of the easiest ways to make new plants.

Which plants can I root in water?

Many vining and leafy plants root easily in water, including pothos, philodendron, monstera, tradescantia, and spider plant plantlets. Succulents and some others do better rooted in soil or by callusing the cut end first.

What do I need?

Clean scissors or pruners, and a clear jar or glass so you can see the roots. Room-temperature water works fine.

Step 1: Take a cutting

Choose a healthy stem with at least one node, the small bump where leaves and roots emerge, and a leaf or two. Cut just below the node.

Step 2: Put it in water

Place the cutting so the node is underwater but the leaves stay above the surface. Remove any leaves that would sit in the water, since they rot.

Step 3: Give it light and fresh water

Keep it in bright, indirect light. Change the water every week or so, or when it looks cloudy, to keep it fresh and oxygenated.

Step 4: Wait for roots

Roots often appear within a few weeks, though the time varies by plant and season.

Step 5: Pot it up

When the roots are a couple of inches long, plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining potting mix and keep the soil lightly moist for the first few weeks, since water roots need to adjust to soil.

Can it stay in water permanently?

Some plants do fine for a long time in water, but most grow stronger in soil.

What if it does not root?

Make sure there is a node in the water, change the water, add more light, and try again. Overwatered or rotting plants can sometimes be saved by taking healthy cuttings, see how to save an overwatered plant.

Related reading: How to care for a pothos, How to care for a monstera