Propagating Succulents in Water | How to Grow Succulents in Water

Have you tried Propagating Succulents in Water? Is it possible? How is it done? Find out all the answers in this article.

Succulents are one of the most expensive plants and if you want to save your money–Propagating Succulents in Water is one option. It’s an easy, hassle-free way to multiply your favorite ones.

Check out succulents you can grow in teacups here

Propagating Succulents in Water

Water propagation is the process of using water as a growing medium to root succulent cuttings. This method is not a conventional process for propagating succulent cuttings, as you must be aware of the fact that succulents don’t like to sit in water and dislike overwatering as well. Contrary to this, rooting succulents in water work quite well.

Reason Behind Succulent Cuttings Not Rotting in Water

The main reason succulents rot in wet soil is they get exposed to pathogens and fungal infections, which ultimately cause the roots to rot. On the other hand, the soil is not involved in water propagation, and therefore, the succulents are not exposed to pathogens and fungus.

Check out our article on reasons why you should grow succulents here

Can Succulents Root in Water?

How successful you will be in propagating succulents in water depends on the variety you’re attempting to root. You can try aeonium, echeverias, crassulas, and sempervivums for water rooting. Follow the given steps and successfully propagate succulents in water:

1. Avoid Chlorinated Water

For rooting succulents in water: use distilled, purified, spring, borewell, well, RO, or rainwater for this purpose. If you’re using tap water, allow it to sit for at least 24-48 hours, so the chemicals and salts settle down. Fluoride is also detrimental to your leaf cuttings as it moves through the plant in the water and settles on the leaf edges. This results in brown leaf margins.

2. Allow the Cut Ends to Form Callus

Select the healthy leaves or stems and allow them to heal for 2 days in a hot climate and 4-5 days in a cold environment. This process will stop the cuttings from taking up excess water and also prevents the chance of rot.

3. Use Transparent Jars or Vases

For propagating succulents in water–use clear, transparent jars and glasses, as it will help you to keep a close eye on water level and root development. Also, make sure that only the bottom-most part of the succulents remains in the water.

4. Place them in Bright Light

Place the cuttings in bright light. A location like your windowsill or shady porch would be appropriate.

Here are some of the best succulents to propagate from cuttings

 Key Takeaways to Propagate Succulents in Water

• Take 2-4 inches of a healthy leaf or stem cutting and allow it to heal for a few days.
• Use a transparent container for this purpose.
• Place the container in a bright spot but away from direct sunlight and wait for roots to develop.
• Once the roots emerge, transplant cuttings to a pot filled with succulent or cactus mix.

Keeping Succulents in Water 

Instead of transplanting the rooted cuttings into the potting mix, you can continue to grow them in water. Just change the water every few days. The cuttings can also be transferred to the soil and placed outdoors or indoors.

Note: If you root a succulent in water and move it to potting soil, the plant will take some time to get used to the changed growing medium.  

Check out our article on growing succulents in pots without drainage holes here

Watch this video for more information