Which plants root fastest in water?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Develop cuttings in water to monitor root development. Quick rooting herbs such as mint or basil will sprout roots in 7-14 days. My friend turned a kitchen windowsill into a mint jungle we used old jam jars to do it. WOODY plants do not work for this, such as rosemary, which ultimately rots before rooting. Focus on soft-stemmed species, they root quickly!
Optimal Setup
- Use clear jars to monitor roots
- Change water every 3 days to prevent bacteria
- Place in bright, indirect light, direct sun cooks stems
Avoid These
- Overcrowding jars, space cuttings 2 inches apart
- Tap water with high chlorine, use filtered
- Flowering stems, they prioritize blooms over roots
Pothos trimmings grow well in water but do not transition well to soil. I lost three months of growth once by rushing it along. It is best to wait until the roots are 3 inches in length. It is best to acclimate your plants slowly by adding a small amount of soil to their water, over a week, before fully transitioning to soil. Changes to their system may shock those systems that are so finely tuned.
Common Issues
- Cloudy water: Scrub jars with vinegar, rinse thoroughly
- Rotting stems: Trim above nodes, restart in fresh water
- No roots after 3 weeks: Switch to soil or try rooting hormone
Pass along cuttings so others can be inspired by what you have started. My neighbor started with a bit of basil, and now, six households are enjoying the flavor of his basil. Keep in mind that patented hybrids, such as some roses, are not legal to clone. Use heirloom seeds and non-patented plant varieties if your goal is sharing plants. Water propagation will simplify gardening while connecting to your community.
Read the full article: The Complete Guide to Grow From Cuttings Successfully
