How to Grow Coleus Plant from Cutting in Water

 

Coleus plants are beloved for their vibrant, colorful foliage and are a fantastic addition to any garden or indoor plant collection. One of the easiest ways to propagate Coleus is by taking cuttings and rooting them in water. Here’s a simple guide to help you grow Coleus plants from cuttings in water.

Materials Needed:

• Healthy Coleus plant
• Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears
• Glass or jar
• Water
• Optional: Rooting hormone

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Select and Prepare the Cutting:

• Choose a healthy Coleus plant with vibrant leaves.
• Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a leaf node (the point where leaves are attached to the stem).
• Remove the lower leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving a few leaves at the top.

2. Optional: Apply Rooting Hormone:

• If desired, dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. This can help speed up the rooting process but is not necessary.

3. Place the Cutting in Water:

• Fill a glass or jar with water and place the cutting in it, ensuring that the cut end is submerged.
• Make sure the leaves are not submerged in water to prevent rotting.

4. Provide Proper Conditions:

• Place the glass or jar in a location with bright, indirect light.
• Avoid direct sunlight, which can be too intense and may damage the cutting.

5. Monitor and Change Water:

• Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and free from bacteria.
• Check the cutting regularly for root development. Roots usually start to form within 1-2 weeks.

6. Transplanting:

• Once the roots are about 1-2 inches long, the cutting is ready to be transplanted into soil.
• Fill a small pot with well-draining potting mix.
• Make a hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil and gently place the rooted cutting in the hole.
• Firm the soil around the cutting and water it thoroughly.

7. Care for the New Plant:

• Place the newly potted Coleus in a location with bright, indirect light.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• As the plant grows, you can pinch back the tips to encourage bushier growth.

Conclusion

Growing Coleus plants from cuttings in water is a simple and rewarding process. By following these steps, you can easily propagate new Coleus plants to enjoy their vibrant foliage in your home or garden.