Want to have the most low-maintenance living centerpieces for your rooms? Grow these Large Houseplants from Cuttings in Water!
You love the dominant appearance of big, tall houseplants as their size makes them the center of attraction wherever you keep them; what about making their little smaller copies by propagating them in water? If you like the idea, discover the best contenders for the job below!
Large Houseplants You Can Grow from Cuttings in Water
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Botanical Name: Ficus lyrata
You can propagate fiddle leaf figs by cutting a stem about 6-8 inches long with some leaves attached. Then, set the cutting in a jar filled with room-temperature water and place it in a warm area with bright indirect light. It’s best to do this in spring.
The care is also pretty easy. Change the water every 3-5 days to keep it clean and oxygenated, and once the roots are about 2-3 inches long, transfer the cutting to well-draining soil.
2. Dragon Tree
Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata
Although dragon trees are primarily propagated in soil, you can start a cutting in water to encourage initial root growth before transferring it to the soil. For best results, place the container in an area with indirect light.
Dragon trees are highly tolerant of low humidity, making them perfect for homes with drier air conditions. They can grow up to 6-8 feet indoors if given proper care.
3. ZZ Plant
Botanical Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
Your ZZ plant can grow up to 2-3 feet tall indoors, which makes it a lovely houseplant you can grow from cuttings in a bit of water. Just put a mature stem cutting in water and wait for the roots to develop.
You can also propagate this ZZ plant through its pups in water. In that case, submerge only the roots in the water and leave the rhizome above the surface to prevent rot. Use a glass container so you can monitor root growth, which can take 3-5 weeks.
4. Dieffenbachia
Botanical Name: Dieffenbachia spp.
Many people use soil, but you can also start Dieffenbachia cuttings in water. Just remember to change the water regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. It is best to callous the cuttings of your plant to prevent rot when placed in water or soil.
Dieffenbachia is known for its tolerance of low light, which makes it suitable for dimly lit indoor spaces. Here’s how to care for your own.
5. Monstera
Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa
Cut a stem with a node, an aerial root, and at least one leaf with a clean pruning shear. Place the cutting in a jar filled with water; the roots will grow in a couple of weeks. Pretty easy, right and the best you can keep it growing in water for long!
Note: Monsteras develop fenestrations (holes in leaves) more prominently in higher humidity and brighter light
6. Rubber Tree
Botanical Name: Ficus elastica
You can propagate rubber trees in the water, but ensure the node to callus from the cut end and then submerge it to promote root growth. Keep changing the water to have a beautiful plant thriving in water!
Rubber trees are fast growers and can reach several feet indoors with bright, indirect light.
Place the jar near an east-facing window. These windows provide bright, indirect light throughout the day and most of the year.
7. Jade Plant
Botanical Name: Crassula ovata
Jade Plants are considered symbols of good luck and prosperity in Feng Shui, so growing them indoors is a good idea. Multiply this beautiful succulent by cutting 4-5 inches of stems and propagating them in a container filled with water.
This slow grower can grow large, so be patient and give it the proper care.
Pro Tip: When propagating in water, let the cutting’s ends callous for 1-2 days before submerging them.
8. Philodendron
Botanical Name: Philodendron spp.
Cut off the stem and put the cutting in a glass of clean water. Once a network of roots is set up, the cuttings will be ready to adjust to a container filled with potting soil. These plants are highly adaptable and thrive in bright, indirect light, even in lower light conditions.
Philodendrons are easy to care for and versatile, making them best for new gardeners. They’re also great for decor.
9. Umbrella Tree
Botanical Name: Schefflera spp.
Stem cuttings in water or soil can multiply indoor Schefflera varieties. Plant them 1-2 inches deep in potting mix and place the pot in a bright, humid area. You can also propagate in water by submerging the cuttings with nodes.
The roots usually appear within 4-6 weeks. This plant benefits from misting; umbrella trees enjoy higher humidity to maintain their glossy leaves.
