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PROP LIKE A PRO

A Modern Guide to Water Propagation

1. Introduction

Welcome to Modern Prop's Water Propagation guide. Propagation is the process of growing plants from existing plants you love. Whether you'd like a refresher, or if you're just dipping your toe in the water, this guide gives you the tools, techniques, and confidence to grow your plant family beautifully.

2. Getting Started with Water Propagation

Before Diving in, let's get your setup ready:

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Tools:

  • Clean scissors or pruners

  • A Propagation Station (vials preferred)

  • Room-temperature water

  • A plant capable of being propagated in water (see list below)

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Water:

  • Filtered water is best, but if using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to dechlorinate. Commercial products are available to treat chlorinated water quickly.

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Placement:

  • Bright, indirect light is ideal. Avoid direct sun that could overheat the cuttings.

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Temperature:

60-75 degrees Fahrenheit /  16-24 degrees Celsius is a sweet spot for most propagations.

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3. Step-by-Step Propagation Instructions

  1. Select a healthy stem with at least one node (a small bump where roots can grow).

  2. Use clean scissors to make a cut below the node.

  3. Remove lower leaves so none are submerged.

  4. Place the cutting in water, ensuring the node is underwater.

  5. Change the water every 5-7 days*.

  6. Wait for roots to develop (2-4 weeks for most plants)

  7. Transfer to soil when roots are 2-3 inches long**

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*When propagating Pothos, topping off water is ideal - Pothos adds growth hormone to its water!

**Some propagations  are capable of living the rest of their lives in water

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4. Difficulty of Propagation by Category

Easy (Beginner-Friendly)

  • Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

  • Philodendron (Heartleaf, Brasil, Micans)

  • Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

  • Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina and pallida)

  • Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

  • Mint (Mentha)

  • Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

  • Coleus

  • Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus)

  • Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant)

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Moderate (Some Patience Required)

  • Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

  • English Ivy (Hedera helix)

  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

  • Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

  • Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

  • Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

  • Tradescantia Nanouk

  • Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)

  • Peperomia (Watermelon, Ripple varieties)

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Challenging (Slow or Tricky)

  • ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) - leaf cuttings only

  • African Violet (Saintpaulia) - leaf cuttings

  • Begonia (especially Rex and Cane Begonias)

  • Impatiens

  • Baby's Tears (Soleirolia)

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

  • Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

  • String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

  • String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)

  • Hoya (Wax Plant)

  • Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

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