Does this very white winter have you needing some green and color in your life? Look no farther for the easiest way to bring beautiful, modern, yet vintage plant charm to your space with absolutely no effort. By adding plant cuttings to water, there’s no need to muss with dirt or remember watering. Not needing to remember? That sounds about right up my alley!
When I was young, like pre-kids young, I surrounded myself with plants. I had a whole houseful that I tended so diligently because they brought me such joy. I would dust their leaves, test their soil, spritz and prune them daily, making them thrive. Post-kids, I didn’t want to have to take care of anything but those kiddos and some days I could barely do that. My houseful of plants petered down to a decrepit looking jade plant, sitting alone and abandoned on my window sill. These days, I haven’t found much more time and energy to care for plants, but I have just gotten smarter about it. There are great ways to add that touch of life to your space with little effort.
Today, we’re sharing some fabulous species of plants that thrive beautifully as plant cuttings in water. Lots of tropical plants can be propagated through cuttings and kept alive in water, but some of the best species to do this include Split Leaf Philodendren, Monstera deliciosa “swiss cheese plant” (top vintage bottle) , Tradescantia zebrina “Wandering Jew” (above) and Pothos (in amber glass also with Wandering Jew).
For the how-to, you couldn’t get much easier: simply snip off a vine, remove any bottom leaves, and submerge the stem in water. Over time, the cuttings will begin to grow roots. Feel free to leave them in water, or plant in rich potting soil.
For care, with enough water and indirect bright light, these species will easily thrive, soil or no! Using cuttings to propagate your plants is a cheap and easy way to increase your plant collection, as well.
This post was brought to you in partnership with Liz Vayda of b.willow – my talented, go-to, plant expert. b.Willow creates unique indoor planters and terrariums using mostly repurposed materials. With a background in psychology and environmental science, Liz is passionate about bringing more nature into peoples’ every day lives. She believes wholeheartedly that indoor spaces should never disconnect us from the “more than human” world that we are part of. You can find her lovely work for purchase here or find her on Facebook here. Locally, she sells her work at Trohv or Milk & Honey Market.
Kathryn says
So interesting! Just a few days ago I started this process with some herb clippings from the grocery store. I’ve also read that things like basil and cilantro are very easy to propagate – here’s hoping!
x Kathryn
Through the Thicket
flaxandtwine says
Good luck Kathryn! Thanks for the comment!
GerryART says
OMG !! Your candelabra – I have a pair of the very same that I bought more than 45 years ago.
Yes, I love water starts for plants
As a girl I would grow carrot tops in a saucer on the windowsill.
Hugs ‘n Smiles,
Gerry
flaxandtwine says
Hi Gerry! That’s amazing about the candelabra – it was my grandmothers. I need to polish it! Carrot tops – Cute! So glad you won the creativebug subscription!
Rachel says
I have some curly bamboo that I bought in a whim and stuck in a vase expecting it to last a few weeks and 2 years later it’s still going strong! I had no idea that plants could live like this. Thanks so much for sharing some other plants that can live in water, interesting stuff!
Brittany says
so so gorgeous Anne!
flaxandtwine says
aww! You know that means the WORLD coming from you dear Brittany!
xo
Sara says
How often should the water be changed put? Also, what sort of water should be used?
flaxandtwine says
Hi Sara, Just check the cuttings regularly and replace water that has evaporated. IF the water gets cloudy, simply change the water. Plain water works well for most plants. Anne
Sharaya says
My monstera lead is going yellow on the tips and starting to turn slightly brown. I just have one large leaf in a vase with water. Is there something I am doing wrong? Do I need to feed it? Thank you!
Acelyn Dil says
The top plant in the vintage bottle is not a Monstera- it’s a Split-Leaf Philodendron!
flaxandtwine says
Thanks so much for letting me know ! Fixed.
Gillian Egan says
Contrary to what Acelyn Dil said on August 5, the plant in the vintage bottle is not a split leaf philodendron, it is a monstera deliciosa, as originally stated. The split leaf philodendron does not have fenestrations (the little holes).
Refer:
https://sproutingindoors.com/monstera-vs-philodendron-whats-the-difference/