how to propagate houseplants in water

Hey, friends! I want to show you a VERY easy way to create brand new plant babies from your existing houseplants! It's crazy simple, I promise! This post will teach you step-by-step how to propagate houseplants in water.

propagating houseplants in water

This is a... I'm kidding, I have no idea what type of plant this is. I bought it at a greenhouse last summer in the herb section and it was smaller than my hand. Apparently it likes my particular style of plant neglect!

One thing I am sure of is that it prefers more sunlight exposure than it is currently getting. I have it tucked in a corner next to a north facing window, and over the winter it has grown 'leggy' trying to stretch itself towards the sunlight.

How to propagate houseplants in water

This morning I went in with some sharp scissors and removed about 12-15 of the long runners. Here is how I can propagate new plants from these otherwise unsightly vines...

First, I have several up cycled glass bottles. You will want bottles with smaller 'necks' so that the vines don't fall too far into the water. Next, I fill the bottles with water. It isn't necessary to add plant food or fertilizer.

To prep the pruned vines, gently remove the bottom two thirds of the leaves. If you see 'nodes' like the bumpy spots on the stem in the picture below, don't remove them! This is where the new growth and roots will come from.

Place several vines in the water and set them in an area with the appropriate amount of light for the plant. For example, this plant likes sunlight, so I will place my bottles about six feet away from a bright and sunny window.

after about 8 weeks of growing in water, this vine has enough roots to be transplanted in soil

Wait until roots form

After the vine begins to grow several healthy roots, I can choose to either transplant it into a flower pot or leave it growing in the water. Some plants, like pothos, will continue to grow and thrive in water. In my bathroom with no windows I've been growing a pathos in water for almost a decade! Whatever this little plant is, she prefers soil so I usually try to get the new plants potted after a few months.

Plants that vine typically do very well growing in water, but that isn't a concrete rule, so experiment and see how yours do! I'd love to see your creations, tag me on Instagram so I can see them! @ninnescahhomestead