How to Propagate Succulents in Water (With Video Demo)
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.




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.
Over time, they'll grow into larger plants, and you can propagate them again! Wishing you a very lovely, happy plant-powered day.
More Ways to Propagate Succulents
If you want to try another method, here's a guide about how to propagate succulents in soil!
© 2021 Lyn Kimberley