Plant Propagation 101: Keeping it Simple
You're probably reading this page because you've heard of plant propagation, know what it is, but need help getting started. Perhaps you've no idea how to grow plants in water and you are starting from scratch.
Either way, don't worry!
The beauty of plant propagation is how simple it can be!
WHAT IS PLANT PROPAGATION?
Simply put, plant propagation is the process of creating new plants from an existing one. This can be done in a variety of ways but Theory Beyond Design specializes in water propagation. This is the method of cutting off a piece of a plant and setting it in water where it will then (typically) grow its own new root system and mature into a full plant.
Voila! You have now taken one plant and made two! In theory, this process can be repeated infinitely as long as the health of the parent plant is maintained. All propagated plants will be genetically identical to the parent plant.
ADVANTAGES OF WATER PROPAGATION
Plant propagation can be a rewarding and low-cost option to growing your plant collection that only requires something to cut with and a container of water. Propagated plants also make great, meaningful gifts for friends or family and can even be used for plant swaps.
DISADVANTAGES OF WATER PROPAGATION
Unless you have a friend willing to let you take cuttings from their plants, you do actually need to have an existing plant. Also, not all plants are suited for water propagation and even those that are do not always propagate successfully. It might take a little research, trial, and error to get some plants to regrow their roots! But don't despair! Simply keep trying!
HOW TO GROW PLANTS IN WATER
- Find your plant's root nodes (use the photo gallery below as a reference).
- Ideally you want to have at least one or two of these nodes (as well as one leaf) on your cutting. This is where your roots will appear.
- Use clean shears and cut about a quarter of an inch below the node.
- Place that gorgeous greenery in one of our propagation vases (if you don’t have one yet, you can use a small vase or even a mason jar). Make sure the leaves do not touch the water.
- You’ll want to change the water every 2-5 days, don’t let it get icky or it could stymie growth or even kill your cutting.
- Once you see 2-4” of root growth you’re ready to set your new plant in soil! This could happen as soon as a few days or take as long as weeks!
- You can also let your cutting hang out in the vase for longer for a beautiful visual, as long as they’re not too compacted in their vessel.
- Enjoy and repeat!
What's Next?
Exercise your patience propagating this favorite, slow-growing plant
Try your hand at propagating these happy little prolific plant babies