Green Living: This is the Easiest Way to Grow a Houseplant

A couple of years ago I purchased a plant guide book titled, 'How to raise a plant: and make it love you back.' which taught me how to properly select, care for and maintain indoor plants. Ever since I have been obsessed with all things plants and my collection has reached well over 20 (I have lost count!). I believe that everyone should grow plants as it is a very easy, enjoyable and rewarding hobby watching your plants flourish, and a room can instantly feel warm and full of life.

Individual images via Pinterest

However, sometimes it can be hard to keep a plant alive and from time to time we end up killing them. But nonetheless, water propagation is the easiest method to grow a large range of houseplants that anyone can use whether you are a beginner gardener or you are looking to add to your already extensive plant collection.

To begin, plant propagation is the act of creating a new plant from an existing one. There are a variety of ways to propagate a plant, the most common and easy method is by growing leaf or stem cuttings in water. Water propagation allows the plant to take as much water as it needs for its growth of roots and new leaves.

Source: Pinterest

It is fun and interesting to watch the roots form and grow in glass and water. Also propagating your plants in water make for great photographs and it is now becoming a decor trend due to its cool aesthetic. Any kind of glass can be used from vintage jars, vases and even test tubes.

Selecting your plant:

You have to remember that not all plants can be rooted in water but almost any kind of Aroid plant is suitable. Some of my favourites include the:

Pothos or Devil's Ivy

Source: Pinterest

Philodendron

Source: Pinterest

Monstera Adansonii or Swiss Cheese

Source: Pinterest

Chinese Money Plant

Source: Pinterest

How to take a cutting:

With clean sharp scissors cut a piece of the stem right before the root node (the small brown stem that holds the leaf buds). The node is necessary for growth as this is where the new root will stem from. Then remove any leaves close to the node or that might end up in the water. After, place the cutting in clean room-temperature water and place the plant in bright, indirect sunlight.

Images via The Sill (in this example a Devil's Ivy is used)

Care and maintenance:

Maintaining your water propagated plant is quite easy. You just need to refill the water when it is looking low as you should aim to keep the water level above the growing roots. You may need to replace the water every so often and check if it is murky or fungal growth, as it can be unhealthy for your plant.

Good luck and happy planting!

With love,

Steph xx