It’s easy and cheap to make new plants by rooting cuttings in water. One benefit of water propagation is that it’s easy to see how the cuttings are rooting. However, some cuttings take a very long time to root.
From my experience, pothos and philodendrons may show roots within 2 weeks. But others like monstera can take 2-3 months before you see tiny roots.
If you are propagating plants for the first time, waiting weeks or months before roots appear can be frustrating. The good news is there are several proven tricks you can use to speed up water propagation.
It has been shown to make cuttings root faster in water. In this full guide, I’ll show you 7 of them. Follow these tips to maximize your propagation success rate.
Select the Right Cuttings
Not all cuttings are equal when it comes to how fast they root.
Softwood and semi-hardwood cuttings from the tips of vigorously growing stems root quickest. Old, brittle hardwood cuttings take longer.
Take cuttings early in the morning when the plant has the highest concentration of the rooting hormone auxin.
Look for shoots that are healthy, pest and disease free. Unhealthy cuttings are less likely to root.
Remove flowers and flower buds which use up energy required for root growth.
Choosing the right cuttings from your plant will accelerate the rooting process.
Cut Below the Node
The node is where new roots emerge when propagating plants in water. Cutting below the node kickstarts cell division for root tissue development.
Cut at a 45-degree angle with a clean, sharp knife or pruners. 5 inch below the node. This keeps the stems from getting crushed, which can stop the flow of water and nutrients.
Apply a Rooting Hormone
Applying a rooting hormone like indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) encourages quicker rooting.
The synthetic hormone activates cell division and differentiation to initiate root tissue and root hair growth faster.
Rooting hormone powder or liquid should be put on the cut end of the stem before it is put in water. Follow product instructions carefully.
Maintain Proper Water Temperature
The ideal water temperature for propagating is between 70°F – 75°F (21°C – 24°C). This accelerates root development.
Water cooler than 65°F (18°C) slows or prevents rooting. Use a thermometer and small aquarium heater to maintain proper temperature.
Provide Bright, Indirect Light
For faster rooting, place your propagation jar near a bright window where it receives at least 4 hours of indirect sunlight daily.
You can supplement natural light with fluorescent grow lights positioned 6 to 8 inches above the cuttings.
Avoid direct hot sunlight which causes leaves to dry out, wilt, and fall off.
Use an Air Pump for Oxygenation
Lack of oxygen in the water causes cuttings to rot before roots form. Add an air stone or small aquarium pump to oxygenate the water.
The constant water circulation improves oxygen absorption through the cut end of the stem. This encourages quicker rooting.
Apply Liquid Fertilizer
The nutrients in plain water are often insufficient for optimal root growth.
Add water-soluble houseplant fertilizer like Miracle-Gro to the water weekly at quarter or half strength.
The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium provide vital nutrients to accelerate root development.
Change Water Frequently
Change water every 4-5 days to prevent rotting. Stagnant water causes bacteria buildup and oxygen depletion.
Freshening the water improves oxygenation and provides the cutting with nutrients.
Add a Pothos Cutting
Research shows adding a pothos cutting to the water produces a rooting hormone that speeds up growth of other cuttings.
The naturally occurring auxins in pothos encourage cell division and growth. Keep pothos in the water as it accumulates over time.
Root Cuttings in Rainwater
Rainwater contains minerals beneficial for root growth compared to tap water. The pH and alkalinity of rainwater are ideal.
If rainwater is unavailable, allow tap water to sit out for 24 hours. This allows chlorine and fluoride to dissipate.
Keep Humidity Above 50%
Higher humidity reduces the rate of transpiration, retaining moisture in the cutting. Slowed water loss encourages faster rooting.
Mist the propagation set up daily or place it on a humidity tray filled with pebbles and water.
Avoid Direct Air Flow
Direct air movement over the cutting causes excess water loss, drying it out. Keep it away from fans, vents, and drafty areas.
Don’t Overcrowd Cuttings
Overcrowding cuttings together restricts air flow between the stems. It also makes monitoring each cutting difficult.
Propagate 2-3 cuttings per jar. Overcrowding increases chances of rot and reduces oxygen circulation.
Follow these proven tips to make cuttings root faster in water. Within 2-3 weeks, you’ll have successfully propagated plants ready for potting! With patience and care, you can expand your indoor plant collection in no time.
Where to cut when propagating…
Step 1: Know your plant’s bits (and find the nodes)
The main parts of the plant you need to find are the nodes, which I’ve marked on my Pothos NJoy below. You can see the nodes are located at each junction where the petiole and leaf grow out of the main stem. On a lot of plants the node is easy to identify as a raised ring around the stem.
Youll sometimes see little nubby aerial roots beside the nodes also (or in the case of some plants like Monstera, they can be monster aerial roots). Heres my Neon Pothos below, also showing you the nodes and aerial roots. This plant is going to be our guinea pig for todays tutorial on where to cut.
How to Propagate Hydrangeas |Simple Way to Get Cuttings to Root Faster|
FAQ
What can I put in water to make my roots grow faster?
Add a Pothos! I knew that willow could be used as a natural rooting hormone, but I didn’t know that Pothos could do the same thing. Now I do! Just put a Pothos cutting in the water with your slow-growing cuttings, and it will help the roots grow faster.
How long does it take for cuttings to root in water?
Rooting will generally occur in 3-4 weeks but some plants will take longer. When the roots are 1-2 inches long or longer the cutting is ready to be potted up.
How can I speed up my root cuttings?
Here are five ways you can speed up houseplant propagation, with expert tips. Place your propagations in a greenhouse. (Image credit: Getty Images/Westend61) . Install a grow light. (Image credit: Flashpop via Getty Images) . Choose a sunny windowsill. Dip cuttings in a rooting hormone. Use pothos cuttings as a rooting hormone.
Does hydrogen peroxide help cuttings root?
When hydrogen peroxide is added to water, it breaks down into oxygen and water, providing a gentle source of extra oxygen for roots. This can be particularly helpful for seedlings and cuttings that are trying to establish themselves. In addition, hydrogen peroxide can help to control fungal growth and root rot.