Creating a mini water propagation garden is more than just a fun activity—it can also nurture your sense of curiosity and bring a little more love into your daily routine. I appreciate it because there is pretty much zero investment or real effort involved, and the payoff is delightful when you see those first little roots growing.
1. It’s good for you
Water propagation introduces more greenery into your home, and studies show that having plants around can boost your mood and reduce stress. Taking care of plants can be a therapeutic self-care practice, encouraging mindfulness and relaxation. It’s a simple, daily reminder that growth takes time and care.
2. It’s fun and satisfying
Watching a plant grow from a tiny cutting to a full-grown beauty is rewarding and can instill a sense of accomplishment. Every new root or leaf is a small celebration of progress, much like recognizing personal milestones. Plus, experimenting with different plants can remind you to embrace the unknown and look for joy in nature’s little surprises.
3. You learn about growth—yours and the plant’s
With water propagation, you observe how roots develop and leaves emerge, deepening your understanding of the plant’s life cycle. Each stage of development is important, reminding you to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you grow. And if you have children, it’s a perfect opportunity to see some rad science and learn about nature.
4. It’s free and easy
Water propagation requires only a cutting, water, and a container—no need for expensive supplies. Like many self-care practices, it shows that meaningful rewards don’t have to cost much. Simple acts, such as taking a moment to nurture something, can offer profound emotional and mental benefits.
5. It’s the perfect use for those pretty glass jars you’ve been saving
Repurpose those glass jars and create something beautiful. This practice encourages sustainability and creativity, you’re giving a new purpose to something forgotten or discarded. Watching the roots grow through clear glass can be a gentle reminder that true beauty often lies beneath the surface.
Go forth and bring some new magic into your life! Stick that cabbage bottom into some water, replace the water every few days, and watch what happens. It’s a small but powerful act of self-care and self-love. Keep me updated on your progress—I’d love to celebrate your growth, both plant and personal! 😊
Here are a few ideas to get you started on your water propagation journey!
Cabbage
Cut the bottom of the head off, & place it in a shallow bowl or wide-mouth jar with a small amount of water.
Carrot Greens
Cut the tops down to just a few inches, place them in a shallow bowl of water, and watch them produce new green leaves. Excellent for tossing into salads, making pestos or other sauces, or adding to your green juices.
Celery
Cut the stalks down to about 2-3 inches tall. Place the base of the plant and small roots into a shallow bowl with a small amount of water and watch a new small stalk begin to grow from the center.
Fennel
Cut the stalk down to about 1-2 inches tall, leaving the roots intact. Place in a shallow bowl with water.
Garlic Chives
Place a small garlic bulb that has started to grow a green shoot into a shallow bowl of water. Within a few days, you’ll be enjoying fresh garlic chives.
Green Onions
Cut the green part off of your green onion, and place the white stalk with the roots intact into a bowl of water. The stalk will regrow the green section that you cut off.
Lettuce
Remove the bottom of the head, leaving it about 1-3 inches long. Place that into a shallow bowl with water. It will regrow small lettuce leaves in the center.
Leeks
Place the bottom section of the stalk, about 2-3 inches long, into a bowl with water. It will re-grow the center portion of the leek.
Lemon Grass
Plant the same as you would a leek. Remove all but 2-3 inches of the stalk, place in about 1/2 inch of water, and watch it regrow from the center.
Mint
Cut below leaf node and place in small bottle or dish and roots begin to form usually within a couple days
Pothos
Cut plant below leaf node and place into bottle or shallow dish, roots will begin to grow fairly quickly
Snake Plant
Cut larger leaf into smaller sections and place bottom cut ends into water, change water often, and keep in mind this is a slow starter but once it starts rooting it will grow new beautiful leaves
Spider Plant
Carefully snip smaller plantlets from mother plant, remove lower leaves, and place into small bottle or jar, roots should form fairly quickly.
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