Q. Our association would like to have a plant sale in the spring. What are some houseplants we could propagate easily and quickly from cuttings in water?
A. Several common houseplants can be propagated from stem cuttings placed in clean, plain tap water. Some good choices are:
- Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
- Swedish Ivy (Plectranthus verticillatus)
- Arrowhead (Syngonium podophyllum)
Cut a 3-to-5 inch stem from an existing healthy plant, leaving at least one node (the point at which a leaf emerges from the stem) and some leaves at the tip. Place the cutting in a clean container with fresh tap water, making sure there are no leaves submerged under the water. Set the container in a location where it will receive bright light but not direct sunlight. Keep cuttings away from cold drafts. Room temperature of about 70ᵒF is ideal.