You can definitely propagate peperomia plants in water! It is one of the easiest methods of propagation for these plants. I have personally propagated several peperomia plants using this method and had great success.
To start the propagation process, you will need to find a healthy and mature peperomia plant to take cuttings from. Look for a stem that is about 3-4 inches long and has a few leaves attached to it. Using a clean and sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node (the point where the leaf meets the stem).
Once you have your cutting, remove any leaves from the lower part of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top. This will help prevent the leaves from rotting in the water. You can also trim any large leaves in half to reduce moisture loss.
Next, fill a glass or jar with room temperature water. Make sure the water level is not too high, as you don’t want the leaves to sit in water. I usually fill the water about an inch or two high. You can also add a small amount of liquid fertilizer to the water to provide some nutrients for the cutting.
Place the cutting in the water, making sure that the bottom part of the stem is submerged. You can use a small piece of tape or a clothespin to hold the cutting in place if needed. Make sure to place the glass or jar in a warm and bright location, but away from direct sunlight.
Over the next few weeks, you will need to monitor the water level and change it every few days to prevent stagnation. If the water starts to look cloudy or smells unpleasant, it’s a sign that it needs to be changed. I usually change the water every 3-4 days to keep it fresh.
During this time, you should start to see roots forming from the bottom of the stem. It generally takes about 2-6 weeks for roots to develop, depending on the peperomia variety and environmental conditions. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot with well-draining soil.
When potting the cutting, make a small hole in the soil with your finger and gently place the roots into the hole. Firmly press the soil around the cutting to secure it in place. Water the newly potted cutting thoroughly and place it in a location with indirect light.
Keep in mind that not all cuttings will successfully root in water. Some varieties of peperomia may be more challenging to propagate this way. If you don’t see any roots forming after a few weeks, you can try using a rooting hormone to stimulate root growth. Simply dip the bottom part of the cutting in the rooting hormone before placing it in water.
Propagating peperomia in water is a simple and effective method. With a little bit of patience and care, you can easily grow new plants from cuttings. It’s a great way to expand your peperomia collection or to share plants with friends and family. Happy propagating!
