Learn about houseplants you can grow in water from cuttings. Easy plants, simple care tips, and great choices for beginners.
Houseplants you can grow in water from cuttings are easy and fun to care for. You do not need soil to get started. Many popular indoor plants grow strong roots in water. This method is clean, simple, and perfect for beginners who want healthy plants with less effort.
Houseplants You Can Grow in Water From Cuttings
1. Dragon Tree
Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata
Dragon trees are usually grown from cuttings in soil, but you can start them in water first to help the roots grow. Place the cutting in a container of water and keep it in a spot with bright, indirect light. This helps the roots form before moving the plant to the soil.
They can handle low humidity very well. They are a good choice for homes with dry air. With proper care, they can grow up to 6 to 8 feet tall indoors.
2. Jade Plant
Botanical Name: Crassula ovata
Jade plants are often seen as symbols of good luck and prosperity, so many people like to grow them indoors. You can grow new jade plants by cutting a stem that is about 4 to 5 inches long and placing it in a container of water.
Jade plants grow slowly but can become quite large over time. Be patient and give the plant proper care.
Pro tip: Before placing the cutting in water, let the cut end dry for one to two days so it can callus. This helps prevent rot.
3. ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
A ZZ plant can grow about 2 to 3 feet tall indoors. This makes it a nice houseplant to grow from cuttings in water. Take a healthy, mature stem and place it in a container of water. Then wait for roots to form. This process takes time, so be patient.
You can also grow a ZZ plant using its pups in water. Place only the roots in the water and keep the rhizome above the water to stop rot. Use a clear glass container to watch root growth. Roots usually appear in three to five weeks.
4. Umbrella Tree
Botanical Name: Schefflera spp.
You can grow new Schefflera plants from stem cuttings in water or soil. For soil, place the cutting about 1 to 2 inches deep in potting mix. Keep the pot in a bright area with some humidity. For water propagation, place the cutting in water and make sure the node stays under the surface.
Roots usually start to grow within four to six weeks. Schefflera likes higher humidity, so light misting helps keep the leaves shiny and healthy.
5. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Botanical Name: Ficus lyrata
You can grow a fiddle leaf fig from a cutting taken from a healthy stem. Cut a piece that is about 6 to 8 inches long and has a few leaves on it. Place the cutting in a jar of room-temperature water. Keep it in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Spring is the best time to do this.
Caring for the cutting is simple. Change the water every three to five days so it stays clean. When the roots grow about 2 to 3 inches long, move the cutting into well-draining soil.
6. Monstera
Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa
Cut a healthy stem that has a node, an aerial root, and at least one leaf. Use clean pruning shears for the cut. Place the cutting in a jar filled with water. Roots usually start growing within a couple of weeks. This method is simple, and the plant can stay in water for a long time.
Note: Monstera plants form more leaf holes when they grow in brighter light and higher humidity.
7. Dieffenbachia
Botanical Name: Dieffenbachia spp.
Many people grow Dieffenbachia in soil, but you can also start cuttings in water. Place the cutting in clean water and change the water often. This helps stop bacteria from growing. Let the cut end dry for a few hours before placing it in water or soil. This helps prevent rot.
Dieffenbachia handles low light very well. It grows well in rooms with less sunlight. This makes it a good choice for indoor spaces that do not get much natural light.
8. Rubber Tree
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
You can grow a rubber tree in water from a cutting. After cutting the stem, let the cut end dry for a few hours so it can callus. Then, place the node in water to help the roots grow. Change the water often to keep it clean and support healthy growth.
Rubber trees grow fast and can reach several feet tall indoors. They do best in bright, indirect light. Place the jar near an east-facing window, as it gives gentle light for most of the day and works well all year.
9. Philodendron
Botanical Name: Philodendron spp.
Cut a healthy stem and place the cutting in a glass of clean water. After some time, a group of roots will grow. Once the roots are well formed, move the cutting into a pot with fresh potting soil. This helps the plant grow stronger.
Philodendrons adapt easily to indoor conditions. They grow well in bright, indirect light and can also handle lower light. Philodendrons are easy to care for, which makes them a great choice for beginners. They also look nice as indoor decor.
