How to Propagate Succulents in Water (With Video Demo)

Author:
Lyn Kimberley
Updated date:
Sep 11, 2021

Lyn is a horticulturist and YouTuber with over 35 years of experience growing succulents and cacti.

Rooting succulents in water couldn't be easier. Here's a foolproof step-by-step!
Photo by Sean Allen - Rambles with My Camera

Water Propagation for Succulents

The majority of succulents can be easily propagated in water. One of the things I really love about rooting succulents in water is I get to actually see the roots forming in the water, and it's very exciting.

Does Cactus Root in Water Too?

It depends. I wouldn't recommend doing this with most cacti because cacti are very prone to rot. But epiphytic cacti such as a Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus, Rhipsalis or epiphyllum can be rooted in water.

Before putting your cutting in water, leave it out for a couple of days to let the cut end callus over.

Once the cut end has callused over, leave the cutting in water (changed every couple of days) until roots form.

Epiphytic Rhipsalis cacti are one of the few types of cacti that can be propagated in water.

Before putting your cutting in water, leave it out for a couple of days to let the cut end callus over.

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How to Root Succulent Cuttings in Water

Choose the succulent you want to propagate.
Find a place to cut where you will end up with cutting that is at least 1–1.5 inches long.
Select a space in between the leaves (if applicable) to cut.
If the succulent you've selected has those little leaves that look like little beads (such as donkey's tail), gently twist and remove each leaf on the bottom of the cutting.
Place the cutting onto a clean piece of kitchen paper in a bright but sunless area to allow the cut part to dry for a couple of days. If you put it straight into water, there's a possibility that the cutting could rot.
After the cut stem has callused over, you can then place it into a little jar or cup with a little bit of water, about one to two inches.
Place the cutting in a bright position, but away from direct sunlight until you're ready to pot it up.
Change the water every couple of days to stop it from becoming stagnant.
After about 2–6 weeks, roots will start to form.
Once your cutting has got roots, pot it into cactus and succulent soil and place in a very sunny area.