Think you need a green thumb to multiply your plants? Think again! If you can fill a glass with water and remember to check on it occasionally, then you can master the art of plant propagation.
Keep reading to learn how cuttings of plants, like herbs, indoor plants, and flowers, can flourish through water propagation and then be transferred to soil. All with minimal effort.
What is water propagation?
Beginner-friendly and low-mess, water propagation is a simple method that involves growing new plants from cuttings by placing them in water until they sprout roots. Unlike soil propagation, it allows you to see the root-growing process in real time.
At All Green Nursery, we stock all your favourite propagation-friendly plants like Devil's Ivy, herbs, and flowering varieties. You'll also find premium potting mixes for when your cuttings are ready to transition.
List of plants that grow from cuttings
Many much-loved plants can be successfully grown from cuttings. You can propagate all kinds of herbs, shrubs, indoor plants, outdoor plants, and flowers, making it a great way to grow your plant collection.
Herbs
Fresh herbs are one of the easiest things to propagate. Instead of buying a new bunch each time you cook, why not grow your own? This is one of the easiest (and cheapest!) ways to add fresh flavour to your cooking. Herbs like:
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Sage
- Oregano
- Basil
- Mint
- Lavender
Indoor plants
There are so many popular houseplants that are easy to propagate in water. If you’re keen to grow your collection or share with friends and family, start with:
Flowers
If you love flowers, here are some flowering plants that you can propagate again and again with just a few cuttings.
- Fuchsia
- Hydrangea
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Roses
- African Violets
- Begonia
How to grow a plant from a cutting in water
Step 1 – Select and cut your stem
Find a healthy stem about 10cm long from your chosen plant. Using clean, sharp scissors, make a diagonal cut to the stem just below the node (the bump where leaves emerge).
Step 2 – Choose a container
Fill a clean jar or vase with room-temperature water. Ensure the container gives the cutting enough space and stability.
Step 3 – Find the perfect spot
Place the container on a ledge or bench top, ideally somewhere with bright, indirect sunlight. The plant needs to be able to absorb light without getting scorched.
Step 4 – Keep it fresh
Check on your cutting every few days. Change the water every 3 to 4 days to prevent bacteria from growing and maintain oxygen levels.
Step 5 – Wait and monitor
Most cuttings begin rooting within 4 to 12 weeks. Resist the urge to touch or reposition the cutting too often. Watch for white roots forming near the submerged node.
There you have it – your plant has sprouted! You can either transfer your plant into soil or you can leave it in water if you prefer. If you do transfer to soil, just make sure you’re using a premium potting mix that will help your plant thrive.
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Why are my cuttings not propagating?
Even experienced gardeners encounter hiccups with water propagation. Don't worry, most issues have simple solutions, and learning to identify problems early will improve your success rate significantly.
Cuttings turning black or mushy
What's happening: This is typically bacterial rot caused by contaminated water, damaged plant tissue, or poor cutting technique.
Solutions:
- Remove the cutting immediately to prevent spreading to other plants
- Cut away all black or soft tissue with sterilised scissors, making a fresh cut above the damaged area
- Start fresh with clean water and a sterilised container
- Ensure your scissor or cutting tools are sharp and clean – dull blades crush plant cells, making them vulnerable to infection
- Check that your cutting includes a healthy node
Prevention: Always use clean, sharp tools and change water every 3-5 days. Make cuts at a 45-degree angle to maximise water uptake.
No root development after 3 months
What's happening: Some plants are naturally slow rooters, while others may need different conditions or have poor cutting quality.
Solutions:
- Examine the cutting – if it's still green and firm, be patient (some woody plants can take 4-6 months)
- Try moving to a warmer location (18-24°C is ideal for most cuttings)
- Ensure adequate but indirect light – too little light slows rooting
- Consider switching to a rooting hormone solution for stubborn varieties
- Check that the node is submerged – roots develop from nodes, not stem ends
When to give up: If the cutting becomes soft, brown, or starts shedding all leaves, it's time to start over with fresh material.
Cloudy or smelly water
What's happening: Bacterial growth in the water, often caused by decaying plant matter or infrequent water changes.
Immediate action:
- Change water immediately and rinse both the cutting and the container thoroughly
- Trim away any soft, yellowing, or submerged leaves
- Clean the container with diluted bleach solution, then rinse completely
- Use fresh, room-temperature water
Prevention: Change water every 3-4 days, remove any leaves below the waterline, and ensure containers are thoroughly clean before use.
A top tip from our team
“Here's something I learned the hard way: the fresher the stem, the better your success rate! Get your cuttings into water immediately after taking them. If you can't plant right away, keep the cut ends moist with a damp paper towel until you're ready.
My biggest tip? Patience is everything! I know you'll want to check on your cuttings daily (I still do!), but the magic takes time. While most cuttings root between 4 and 12 weeks, don't be surprised if they take longer during Melbourne's chilly winter months. Trust the process – your cuttings are working hard even when you can't see it happening!”
Let the propagation begin!
Is it really that easy? Absolutely. With the right know-how and a little care, water propagation can be a breeze, even for beginners. Start with a cutting, and let the growing begin.
