Domakihub Plants You Can Root in Water: A Simple Guide
Turn a single houseplant into many — for free — using only a glass of water.
Reviewed by Domakihub garden pros · 2026-06-23 · 4 min read
Rooting plants in water is one of the easiest, cheapest ways to multiply your greenery — no special kit, no soil, just a clear glass and a sunny windowsill. The video above shows the technique in action, and this guide walks you through the steps and the best plants to start with. It's a tidy, low-mess project that works well in homes, holiday rentals, and hotel rooms across Greece, where bright light is rarely in short supply.
Why water propagation works
Many soft-stemmed plants can grow new roots straight from a cutting placed in water. The plant simply pushes out roots from the nodes — the little bumps where leaves meet the stem — as long as it has light, warmth, and clean water. Because you can watch the roots form through the glass, it's a satisfying and beginner-friendly way to learn how plants grow.
It's also practically free. One healthy mother plant can give you several cuttings, which means more greenery for common areas, guest rooms, or reception desks without buying new plants. The Mediterranean climate, with its long bright days, suits this method well, though you'll want to keep glasses out of harsh midday summer sun so the water doesn't overheat.
Best plants to try
The easiest performers are pothos (devil's ivy), heartleaf philodendron, tradescantia (spiderwort/wandering dude), coleus, and many herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary. Spider plant babies, monstera cuttings, and lucky bamboo also root readily in water and tolerate a bit of neglect — ideal for busy rental turnovers.
Soft, leafy stems root far better than woody ones, so choose fresh, healthy growth. Succulents and cacti are the main exception: they prefer to root in dry conditions, so skip the water glass for those.
How to root a cutting in water
- 1
Take a healthy cutting
Using clean, sharp scissors, snip a 10–15 cm length of soft, fresh stem from the mother plant. Cut just below a node (the bump where a leaf grows), as that's where new roots will emerge. Choose a stem with at least two or three nodes.
- 2
Strip the lower leaves
Remove any leaves from the bottom third of the cutting so no foliage will sit underwater. Submerged leaves rot quickly and foul the water. Leave the top two or three leaves intact to keep the cutting photosynthesising.
- 3
Place it in clean water
Pop the cutting into a clear glass or jar of room-temperature water, making sure at least one node is submerged but the upper leaves stay dry. A clear container lets you watch the roots and spot cloudy water early. Tap water that has sat out for a few hours is fine.
- 4
Give it bright, indirect light
Set the glass on a windowsill with plenty of light but out of scorching direct sun, which can cook the cutting and grow algae. A warm spot speeds rooting. Refresh the water every few days, or whenever it looks cloudy, to keep oxygen up and bacteria down.
- 5
Pot up once roots are 3–5 cm
After one to four weeks you'll see white roots. When they reach about 3–5 cm, move the cutting into a small pot of fresh potting mix. Keep the soil lightly moist for the first couple of weeks so the water-grown roots adjust, then care for it as a normal houseplant.
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FAQ
- How long does it take for cuttings to root in water?
- Most easy plants like pothos, philodendron, and tradescantia show roots within one to three weeks, while herbs such as basil and mint can root in under a week in warm weather. Woodier or slower plants may take a month or more, so be patient and keep the water clean.
- How often should I change the water?
- Change it every three to five days, or sooner if it turns cloudy or smells off. Fresh water restores oxygen and removes bacteria, which keeps the cutting from rotting. Rinsing the glass each time helps prevent algae and slime build-up.
- Can plants live in water permanently, or do they need soil?
- A few plants, like pothos and lucky bamboo, can survive in water long-term if you add a little liquid fertiliser occasionally. Most, however, grow stronger and live longer once moved to soil, because soil offers more nutrients and stable support. For lasting houseplants, pot them up once roots reach a few centimetres.