23 Easy Houseplants to Propagate in Water

cuttings of a houseplant rooting in a glass container with water, water rooting Aglaonema, root system
© dropStock/Shutterstock.com

Written by Heather Hall

Updated: November 8, 2023

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Do you want to learn how to propagate houseplants in water? Today, we will discuss the easiest houseplants to propagate in water. For detailed instructions and the exact method, read here.

1. Arrowhead Vine

Emerald gem syngonium cutting for plant propagation. A very easy houseplant a propagate in water.

Syngoniums are easy houseplants to propagate in water. Just be sure to include a node (like above) to submerge in the water. This is where the roots will sprout.

©Jus_Ol/Shutterstock.com

The arrowhead vine (Syngonium podophyllum) is an easy houseplant to propagate in water. It has distinctive arrow-shaped, light green leaves that vary in size and can reach up to 8 inches in length. The leaves are oval in shape with pointed tips and can be either smooth-edged or serrated. Its trailing stems can reach up to 3 feet in length. Its flowers are small and white. This plant is easy to care for and quite forgiving of beginners.

2. Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema Maria is a very easy houseplant a propagate in water.

Aglaonema will grow roots from stem cuttings placed in a glass of water.

©iStock.com/dropStock

The Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate in water. It has thick, glossy, dark green leaves that are arranged in a rosette pattern. The leaves are oval or lanceolate in shape and can grow up to 8 inches long. Its stems are usually reddish to dark purple and can grow up to 18 inches in length. Its flowers are small and white and usually display in the spring. It is a low-maintenance and low-light tolerant plant, making it a great choice for any home or office.

3. Coleus

Coleus plant cuttings rooting in a jar of water on a sunny windowsill in winter with snow outside

If you want one of the easiest houseplants to propagate in water, consider the coleus. It grows many roots very quickly.

©StephenVanHove/Shutterstock.com

Coleus, or painted nettle, has large, pointed leaves that can be quite vibrant in color, ranging from shades of red, pink, purple, and yellow. The leaves are often variegated with multiple colors, and the stem is usually a deep, reddish hue. The plant can reach up to two feet in height, with a bushy, full shape. Its flowers can be either white or blue, depending on the variety.

4. Dumb Cane

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) is a very easy houseplant a propagate in water.

Dieffenbachia is toxic to pets and people.

©iStock.com/Bogdan Kurylo

If you’re looking for easy houseplants to propagate in water, you may not have considered dumb cane (Dieffenbachia). It is a much-loved houseplant with a unique physical appearance. It has large, glossy leaves that come in a range of colors, from light green to darker green, with white or yellow variegation. The stems are sturdy and can reach up to two feet in height. The leaves are broad and oblong, with a pointed tip, and are often marked with white spots. The plant also produces small white flowers that are not particularly showy.

5. English Ivy

Young sprig of common ivy, Hedera helix rooted in transparent glass of water. Propagation of plant from stem cutting in water. Selective focus.

Most vining plants, like ivy, are easy houseplants to propagate in water. Be sure to strip off all of the lower leaves so only a bare stem with nodes is under the water line.

©Caterina Trimarchi/Shutterstock.com

English Ivy (Hedera helix) is an easy-to-propagate houseplant with a distinct physical appearance. It has characteristic heart-shaped and glossy leaves of varying sizes ranging from 1-4 inches wide and tendrils that help it climb. Its leaves can be green, yellow-green, or cream with yellow variegation. The bark is typically brown to gray and is covered with small roots. Its stems are woody and can grow up to 60 feet long. When propagated in water, English Ivy will develop small white-green roots that easily take root when you transplant them into soil.

6. Pothos

Water propagation Pothos house plant, urban Jungle, repotting or potting houseplants.

If you are a beginner and don’t know which houseplants to propagate in water, you can’t fail with a pothos. They can live in water for a long time if you add fertilizer.

©TY Lim/Shutterstock.com

Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum), is a popular houseplant with attractive, heart-shaped leaves. Its glossy, variegated leaves are usually green and white, yellow, or light green. The leaves have a waxy coating that gives them a unique texture. The stems of the plant are thick and sturdy, while the long vines can grow up to 10 feet in length. Pothos is a hardy plant that is easy to care for and can thrive in low light or direct sunlight. Its climbing vines make it an ideal choice for hanging baskets or trailing from tall shelves and bookcases.

7. Monstera

propagating Swiss Cheese Plant , Philodendron Monstera in water

Every type of Monstera plant will readily grow roots in water, as long as you include a root node in the cutting.

©Lifesummerlin/Shutterstock.com

Monstera is a unique and low-maintenance houseplant with a split-leaf silhouette and lush, deep-green foliage. Native to Central and South America, Monstera adds a tropical vibe and fast-growing nature to any living space. It is adaptable to a range of light levels, making it an ideal houseplant. It is also one of the easiest houseplants to propagate in water. Any section with an aerial root bud will sprout roots and grow.

8. Philodendron

Philodendron Brasil, water propagation for indoor plants. Houseplant for minimal creative home decor concept.

You can clearly see in this picture that the roots form directly from the node, so be sure that your stem cutting includes one or more nodes.

©AngieYeoh/Shutterstock.com

The philodendron is a stunning houseplant with an array of features. Its glossy dark green leaves boast a stunning shape, with each leaf curving outwards from the stem and tapering to a point. Its stems are smooth and round, and the entire plant has a bushy shape. The leaves also have a waxy texture, which gives them a unique shine. The philodendron’s stems are thick and sturdy, and they can reach a considerable length. The leaves can be long and narrow or wide and round, depending on the variety. All in all, the philodendron is beautiful and versatile and one of the easiest houseplants to propagate in water.

9. Tradescantia

wandering jew is a very easy houseplant a propagate in water.

Tradescantia zebrina, also known as the Wandering Jew, is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate in water. You can end up with hundreds of plants from one parent plant.

©iStock.com/Debu Durlav

Tradescantia has many names, including wandering jew, inch plant, and spiderwort. It is a beautiful houseplant with gorgeous, vibrant features. Its leaves are glossy and oblong-shaped, ranging from dark to light green hues. Its stems are thick and have a purplish-red tint. It produces small, white flowers with three petals and a yellow center. Its roots are thin and white. It is a trailing plant, so it’s the perfect addition to hanging baskets and window boxes.

10. ZZ Plant

Propagate plant with water at living room

You can propagate a ZZ plant by stem cuttings or by a single leaf. If you have a narrow-necked bottle, suspend the leaf so only the bottom tip is under the water, and it will grow roots.

©iced.espresso/Shutterstock.com

The ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is a stunning houseplant with lush, glossy foliage. Its leaves are thick and waxy, with a vibrant green color and feather-like pattern. The stems are thick and sturdy, often reaching up to two feet in length. Its root system is a unique rhizome system featuring a thick, tuberous rhizome that stores water and allows the plant to thrive in almost any environment. It takes a long time to grow roots in water, but with patience, you can do it.

11. Begonia

Three angel wing begonia stems growing new roots in water in a clear glass vase are reflected on a white background.

Cane begonias have multiple nodes along their stems. Simply cut a stem and submerge the nodes underwater, and roots will quickly form. Rex begonias will propagate from a single leaf with a couple of inches of stem attached.

©SGuillory/Shutterstock.com

The begonia is a stunning houseplant with its vibrant blooms and lush foliage. Its velvety, deep green leaves are oval-shaped and have serrated edges. Its delicate pink, orange, yellow, and white flowers add a splash of color, while its striking red stems complete the look. The cane begonia stands about one to two feet tall, making it perfect for any home. Its glossy leaves have hints of silver that shimmer in the light. All of the different types of begonias are very easy houseplants to propagate in water.

12. African Violet

Home window leaf propagation of african violets in water lab test tubes bracket holder

Even without nodes, a single leaf of an African violet will grow roots in water.

©pp1/Shutterstock.com

The African violet (Santpaulia) is an attractive houseplant, boasting lush and velvety foliage in a range of colors. Its small, rounded leaves typically come in shades of deep purple, violet, or lavender, and they can be mottled with green, silver, or white markings. The plant produces delicate, five-petaled flowers in a variety of colors, such as pink, blue, white, red, and purple. African Violets thrive in bright, indirect light, and they prefer to remain evenly moist. They reach a height of six to eight inches and can spread up to eighteen inches across. With its attractive foliage and delicate blooms, the African Violet is a houseplant worth propagating.

13. Spider Plant

A very large spider plant growing out of a pot on a bathroom windowsill. A very easy houseplant a propagate in water.

If you love houseplants that make their own plantlets, search no more. The spider plant is for you!

©Nick Beer/Shutterstock.com

The spider plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, is an eye-catching houseplant. It has thin, arching leaves that grow in lush, rosette-like clumps. Its bright green leaves have broad, white stripes that run along the length of the leaf. The petioles, or leaf stems, are light and slender, adding to the fluffy appearance of the plant. Its roots are white and hang down from the plant like thin, wispy threads. Their flowers, when in bloom, appear as small, white clusters at the tips of its longer leaves. All in all, the spider plant is a unique and beautiful houseplant. It can be propagated in a couple of different ways, including in water.

14. Pilea Peperomiodes

Leaf cuttings from a Chinese money plant. There are seven seaparate cutting each with between three and eight leaves. the leaves are round and green. Three of the cutting have soil at the base, the others are bear exposing a light colored base. on white isolate.

Take a cutting like the ones above and place it in a bottle with a narrow neck. Leave the upper leaves dry and only the lower stem in water. Roots will form in 7-10 days.

©Luoxi/Shutterstock.com

Pilea peperomioides definitely deserves a place on a list of easy houseplants to propagate in water. It has round, flat leaves that measure up to 4 inches in diameter. Its stems are a light green hue that contrasts elegantly against the dark green, almost waxy-looking leaves. This plant can reach up to 12 inches in height and is an ideal choice for a uniquely shape houseplant.

15. Impatiens

Propagation of plants by cuttings. Balsam Walterra. Impatiens. Roots. Rooting. seedlings. High quality photo

If you’re looking for one of the simplest houseplants to propagate in water, impatiens will grow roots from a single stem cutting in under a week.

©surokfill/Shutterstock.com

Impatiens is a beautiful houseplant with lush, glossy green leaves and delicate white, pink, or purple flowers. The flowers are small and have five petals with a yellow center. The stems are thin and very flexible, making it easy to bend and shape the plant. Its leaves are large, oval-shaped, and slightly toothed. Impatiens thrive in indirect sunlight and need moist soil to grow. It is also very easy to propagate in water, making it a great plant for beginners.

16. Lucky Bamboo

lucky bamboo is a very easy houseplant a propagate in water.

To get a free lucky bamboo, cut a stem into segments and propagate them each in water to multiply your plant collection.

©Edu LYRA FOTO E VIDEO/Shutterstock.com

Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is an attractive houseplant with long, slender stems and glossy green leaves. Its stems are adorned with a swirl of nature’s most beautiful patterns, making it truly unique. The stems can reach up to 3 feet in height, and the leaves are tall and pointed, allowing for a striking silhouette. Its roots are strong and powerful, and the plant often grows in clusters that can be easily rearranged to fit any space. Lucky bamboo is also an easy houseplant to propagate in water, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners.

17. Rosemary

New rosemary plant with roots before potting on a gray and white background. Ready for planting

You need super bright light to grow rosemary indoors. Consider a 5,000 kelvin grow light.

©Khrystyna Sun/Shutterstock.com

Rosemary is an attractive houseplant that typically grows up to two feet tall. Its long, thin stems are a light green color, and the needles are dark green with a silvery hue. Its leaves are small and narrow, with a texture that is slightly fuzzy. The flowers of rosemary are a pale blue and have a sweet aroma. Rosemary is an easy houseplant to propagate in water, as it grows roots quickly from cuttings.

18. Mint

Mint growing in a plant pot. Fresh green mint (mentha spicata) in a herb garden, UK

If you want to grow mint indoors, give it a bright, intense light. Grow lights work very well for mint.

©Paul Maguire/Shutterstock.com

Mint is a lush and vibrant houseplant that is edible. It has deep green, spear-shaped leaves and produces small white flowers. This hardy plant grows quickly, with stems that can reach up to 20 inches in length. Its fresh scent often fills a room when the leaves are rubbed. Mint is an easy plant to propagate; simply place cuttings in water, and they will grow roots and be ready to be transplanted in soil.

19. Hoya

Hoya Carnosa Krimson Princess close up. This is a very easy houseplant a propagate in water.

Many different types of hoya plants will grow roots in water. The vining types are especially easy.

©KOMAR_STUDIOS/Shutterstock.com

Hoya is a beautiful houseplant that stands out with its delicate, glossy green leaves. It has a vining habit, and its leaves usually grow in pairs or clusters of three. The leaves are typically oval or heart-shaped, and they have a mild sheen to them. The plant also has star-shaped flowers that can come in shades of white, pink, yellow, and red. Hoya is an easy houseplant to propagate in water, as it quickly develops roots.

20. Prayer Plant

Maranta leuconeura var. erythroneura aka herringbone plant on a shelf in a modern apartment.

All of the plants in the Maranta family easily root in water. Cut where the stems form a “V” shape.

©Maritxu/Shutterstock.com

The Prayer Plant (Maranta) is a beautiful houseplant that stands out on the list of easiest houseplants to propagate in water. Its leaves are oval-shaped and have a deep green color with streaks of red, yellow, and purple running through them. The stems are a light green color and have a light fuzz on them. Its roots are thick and white, with small, dark brown hairs. These hairs absorb water and nutrients from the soil. It also produces small, white flowers with purple-tinted centers. It is easy to propagate in water, making it an ideal houseplant for gardeners who love free plants.

21. Croton

A closeup of the colorful leaves of the Petra croton. Crotons are a very easy houseplant a propagate in water.

If you want to propagate a croton in water, clip a young stem with a node and strip off the lower leaves.

©Khairil Azhar Junos/Shutterstock.com

Croton is a beautiful houseplant. Its glossy, leathery leaves come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small oval-shaped leaves to larger, elongated ones. The leaves also feature vibrant colors, including shades of yellow, green, pink, orange, and red. It has a thick stem and branches that provide structure to its lush foliage. Croton is relatively easy to propagate in water, making it a great choice if you want to give some away to friends.

22. Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Fig Propagation in Water by Cuttings with Reuse Plastic Bottle.

With only one leaf from the fiddle leaf fig, you can create a whole new plant!

©RPA Studio/Shutterstock.com

The fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is an iconic houseplant that stands out for its large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves. These leathery leaves range from an olive green to a deep burgundy and measure up to 12 inches long. Its thin, gray trunk can grow up to 8 feet tall and is adorned with prominent nodes. The fiddle leaf fig also has air-purifying capabilities and is relatively easy to propagate in water from a single leaf.

23. String of Hearts

photograph of a ceropegia woodii, which is an easy houseplant to propagate in water.

Each little node along the stem of Ceropegia woodii will grow roots and a whole new plant.

©Vithor Linck/ via Getty Images

This beautiful houseplant has long vines that can reach up to 3 feet in length. Each vine is adorned with heart-shaped leaves that are dark green on top with purplish-green undersides. The leaves measure just 1-2 inches in diameter and are connected to the vines by thin, fragile stems. In summer, small, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in shades of pink, white, and purple. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii) is easy to propagate in water, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to increase their plant collection.


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About the Author

Heather Hall is a writer at A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on plants and animals. Heather has been writing and editing since 2012 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture. As a resident of the Pacific Northwest, Heather enjoys hiking, gardening, and trail running through the mountains with her dogs.

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