Rooting cuttings: water or soil?
The pros and cons of each, and how to make the switch
Rooting in water
Many houseplants root easily in a jar of water, and it's fun to watch the roots grow. Pothos, philodendron and ivy are classic examples. Use a clear glass so you can see what's happening.
- Strip off any leaves that would sit underwater, where they rot.
- Refresh the water once or twice a week, or whenever it turns cloudy.
- Never let the water level drop so the roots are left in the air.
- Give it bright, indirect light, not hot direct sun.
The catch with water
Roots that form in water are coarser and weaker than soil-grown roots. Once potted, the cutting may wilt, drop a few leaves or brown at the tips while it adjusts.
Don't wait too long. Pot it up when the roots are about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long, and give it steady, careful watering for the next few weeks.
Rooting in a mix
Rooting straight in a light, moist mix grows roots that are ready for soil, so there's no switch to make. Perlite, coarse sand, vermiculite and peat moss all work, alone or together. Plain potting soil works best blended into one of them.
Keep the mix evenly moist but not soggy. Cover the pot loosely with a clear plastic bag or dome, held off the leaves and not sealed tight, so air can get in.
Warmth and light
Cuttings root fastest in a warm room, about 65–75°F (18–24°C), with a few hours of bright, indirect light each day. Keep covered cuttings out of direct sun, which can cook them under plastic. Most root in 3 to 6 weeks.
Succulents are different
Most succulents don't root well in water. Let a succulent cutting dry for several days until the cut end calluses, then set it in cactus mix or perlite. Jade rots under plastic covers and roots best in a sandy mix.
Is it rooted?
In a mix, a very gentle tug that meets resistance means roots have formed. New roots are fragile, so don't pull hard. Fresh new leaves are another good sign.
Related plant problems
Sources
- Iowa State University Extension: How to Propagate Houseplants by Stem Tip Cuttings
- University of Illinois Extension: Houseplants: Propagation
- University of Illinois Extension: Propagating houseplants to beat the winter blues
- Iowa State University Extension: How to Propagate Succulents
General guidance, not a diagnosis. Written by PlantWiz in our own words from the sources above.