Have you ever wished you could fill your home with lush greenery – or expand your garden – without spending a fortune at the nursery?
Good news: propagating plants from cuttings is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to multiply your collection.
Even beginners can succeed with this method. Many plants root beautifully in nothing more than a simple glass of water, giving you the chance to watch delicate new roots unfurl and grow.
It’s a fascinating – and free – way to cultivate more plants for your home, office, or outdoor garden.
Let’s explore eight fantastic plants that are perfect for rooting in water, plus how to do it step-by-step for each one.
Why Root Plants in Water?
Before diving into the plants, here’s why water propagation is such a great method:
- Budget-friendly: Instead of buying new plants, you multiply what you already have.
- Beginner-friendly: No special equipment needed – just a glass and some clean water.
- Fun and educational: Watching roots grow is incredibly rewarding.
- Gentler on cuttings: Water prevents cuttings from drying out before roots form.
Some plants root so easily in water that it’s almost impossible to fail. These eight are among the most foolproof.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Why It’s So Easy
Pothos – also known as Devil’s Ivy – is practically a superhero in the world of indoor plants. It’s forgiving of neglect, tolerates low light, and roots effortlessly in water.
Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves come in shades of green, gold, and even marbled patterns, making it a versatile plant for every space.
How to Propagate
- Cut a healthy vine about 4-6 inches long, making sure your cut is just below a leaf node.
- Strip off the lower leaves, leaving the top leaves intact.
- Place the cutting in a clear glass of water so that the nodes are submerged.
- Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh.
- Within 1-2 weeks, roots will start to sprout. When they’re 2-3 inches long, pot the cutting in soil.
Pothos cuttings also look lovely as living décor while they root!
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why It’s So Easy
Spider plants are famous for producing “pups” – small plantlets that dangle from long stems like tiny green spiders.
These pups are naturally ready to grow new roots in water, making spider plants one of the easiest plants to propagate.
How to Propagate
- Look for plantlets with small roots already forming.
- Snip the pups from the mother plant.
- Place them in a glass of water so the base of the pup is submerged.
- Change the water every few days.
- Once roots reach about 1-2 inches, pot them up in soil.
Spider plants grow fast and make excellent gifts for friends and family.
3. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Why It’s So Easy
Basil isn’t just for cooking – it’s a superstar for water propagation. Gardeners love basil because it roots quickly and produces flavorful leaves for dishes like pesto, salads, and pasta sauces.
How to Propagate
- Cut a 4-6 inch stem from a healthy basil plant, just above a leaf node.
- Remove the lower leaves so only a few sets remain at the top.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water, covering the leaf nodes but not the leaves.
- Keep the glass in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.
- Change the water every few days.
- Roots usually appear in about 7-10 days. When they’re 2 inches long, transfer the basil to soil.
Having fresh basil on your windowsill is a culinary dream come true.
4. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Why It’s So Easy
Mint is one of the quickest herbs to root in water – and one of the most satisfying to grow. Its fresh aroma and vigorous growth habit make it perfect for propagation through cuttings.
How to Propagate
- Cut a 4-6 inch piece of stem from a healthy mint plant, just below a node.
- Remove lower leaves to expose nodes.
- Place the stem in a glass of water, ensuring the nodes are submerged.
- Change water every 2-3 days.
- Roots start appearing in about a week. Once roots are 2 inches long, pot the cutting in soil.
Mint can take over your garden if planted directly in beds, so it’s best to grow it in pots for easy control.
5. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Why It’s So Easy
While rosemary is a woody herb, it still roots surprisingly well in water under the right conditions. It may take a bit longer than softer herbs like basil, but it’s worth the wait for a new rosemary plant.
How to Propagate
- Cut a 4-6 inch piece from a healthy rosemary stem, removing leaves from the lower half.
- Place the bare stem in a glass of water.
- Set the glass in a bright, warm place out of direct sunlight.
- Change water every few days.
- Roots may take 2-4 weeks to appear. When they’re 1-2 inches long, transplant the cutting into soil.
Fresh rosemary adds amazing fragrance and flavor to roasted vegetables and meats.
6. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Why It’s So Easy
Coleus plants are celebrated for their brilliant, multi-colored leaves. Their stems root rapidly in water, making them a top choice for easy propagation.
How to Propagate
- Cut a 4-6 inch stem below a node.
- Remove the bottom leaves to expose the stem.
- Place the stem in a glass of water so nodes are submerged.
- Keep the glass in bright, indirect light.
- Change the water every few days.
- Roots typically appear within 1-2 weeks. When roots reach 2-3 inches, plant your coleus cutting in soil.
Coleus is perfect for adding bold color to gardens, patios, or indoor spaces.
7. Begonia (Begonia spp.)
Why It’s So Easy
Begonias are popular houseplants prized for their decorative foliage and charming flowers. Many types of begonias propagate easily from stem cuttings in water.
How to Propagate
- Cut a healthy 4-6 inch stem with a few leaves attached.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water, submerging the lower nodes.
- Keep the glass in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight.
- Change water every few days.
- Roots begin forming in about 2-3 weeks. Once they’re 2 inches long, plant your new begonia in soil.
Begonias thrive indoors, making them great candidates for propagation projects.
8. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Why It’s So Easy
Philodendrons are beloved for their resilience and adaptability. Their lush, heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines make them a popular indoor plant. They’re extremely easy to propagate in water.
How to Propagate
- Cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a node from a healthy plant.
- Remove lower leaves, leaving at least one or two at the top.
- Place the cutting in water so the nodes are submerged.
- Keep in bright, indirect light.
- Change water every few days.
- Roots usually appear in 2-3 weeks. Once roots are 2-3 inches long, transplant into soil.
Philodendrons grow quickly, making them ideal for filling empty spots in your home’s décor.
Tips for Successful Water Propagation
- Use clean, clear containers so you can monitor root growth.
- Change water every 2-3 days to prevent bacterial buildup.
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can encourage algae growth in the water.
- Be patient! Some plants root faster than others.
Watching roots develop in water is both fascinating and satisfying. It’s also a terrific way to connect with nature, whether you’re an experienced gardener or a plant-loving beginner.
Propagating plants from cuttings in water is one of the simplest and most rewarding gardening activities.
It’s budget-friendly, sustainable, and perfect for expanding your green oasis without spending a dime on new plants.
