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15 Succulents thrive in Winter and Hardy Zones
  • By Jade Peterson
  • Oct 31, 2024
15 Best Succulents Survive during Winter in Hardy Zones
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In Succulent Care Guides

Water Propagation for Succulents: Tips & Tricks to Avoid Common Mistakes

We often hear the question these days in our social channels, "Can succulents grow in water?" It may seem counterintuitive, given that overwatering is the primary cause of succulent death. However, the answer might surprise you. Not only is it possible, but some succulent enthusiasts have found great success in growing these resilient plants in a water-based environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • Water propagation for succulents is an interesting and cost-effective way to grow these plants. This method can also help in reviving dehydrated succulents.
  • Succulents that are suitable for water propagation include Echeveria, Crassula, and Aloe. These plants have strong and healthy leaves that can withstand water growth.
  • To successfully grow succulents in water, it is important to follow the instructions and provide adequate care.

Why Grow Succulents in Water?

  • One of the significant benefits of growing succulents hydroponically is the reduced risk of root rot, which is often a common issue with soil-grown plants, especially under indoor conditions.
  • Cultivating succulents in water minimizes the likelihood of pest infestations, as pests that typically reside in soil are less likely to affect water-grown plants. This not only makes maintenance easier but also promotes the overall health of the succulents by reducing stress from potential pest damage.
  • The controlled environment of water cultivation allows for more precise monitoring of moisture levels and nutrient intake, leading to healthier growth. The absence of soil also means less mess and hassle, making water-grown succulents ideal for indoor spaces where cleanliness and aesthetics are essential.
  • Lastly, at Happy Succulent Care, we love to see our succulents in water as stunning visuals for home decor. Imagine a beautiful, clear glass jar filled with a healthy succulent, its roots visible through the water. Place this jar on a sunny windowsill, and watch as the sunlight illuminates the plant's vibrant colors and unique structure. How awesome is that?

What Types of Succulents Can Be Grown in Water?

Certain types of succulents suitable for water propagation such as Echeveria, Jade Plant (Crassula), Sempervivum, and Ceropegia, are excellent candidates due to their ability to thrive in various hydroponic environments.

These succulents have evolved in arid regions where water is sparse, making them particularly well-suited for water propagation. Their thick leaves store water efficiently, allowing them to withstand periods of drought.

However, you can experiment with different succulents in water, which can be a rewarding experience, and fun. Observing their growth patterns can offer insight into their unique adaptations to varying environments.

How to Grow Succulents in Water?

If you're ready to give hydroponic succulent growth a try, follow these steps:

  1. Take a cutting: Using clean shears, remove a stem from your chosen succulent. Aim for a cutting with around 4 inches of stem for easier rooting and care.
  2. Remove lower leaves: Trim away any leaves from the bottom third of the stem to prevent them from sitting in water and rotting.
  3. Allow the cutting to callus: Place the cutting on a piece of newspaper for a couple of days to let the cut end heal and reduce the risk of rot.
  4. Prepare the water container: Fill a jar with water and cover the opening with plastic wrap. Make a small hole in the center for the stem to fit through, keeping the leaves dry.
  5. Position the cutting: Place the cutting in the jar so that the stem sits just above the water line. This allows the roots to grow downwards into the water while keeping the rest of the plant dry.
  6. Provide sufficient light: Place the jar in a sunny spot and maintain the water level. Change the water regularly and clean the jar if you notice any bacterial buildup.

Care for Your Water-grown Succulent

Caring for your water-grown succulent involves regular maintenance to ensure optimal growth and health, including monitoring water levels and environmental conditions.

Regularly changing the water in your succulent's container is essential to prevent stagnation and root rot.

Considerations and Drawbacks:

While growing succulents in water can be a fun and unique experience, it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks:

  • There's still a risk of rot if you keep the water level too high and the leaves are constantly wet. You have bought one ticket for your succulent to rot city. The key is to make sure only the bottom of the stem is submerged.
  • The growth might be slower due to limited space and a not-so-perfect environment. If you're in it for the long haul, you'll need to add nutrients to the water to keep your plant happy and healthy.
  • If you're not changing the water regularly or cleaning the container, bacteria can start to build up and cause all sorts of problems for your succulent. Make sure to swap out the water every week or so and give the container a good scrub if you notice any slime or funky smells.
  • And one important thing, water roots and soil roots are not interchangeable. While both can be viable for some plants, succulents that have adapted to growing in water may not survive when transplanted back into soil if you don't have proper care. At Happy Succulent Care, we recommend continuing to grow your water-adapted succulents in their hydroponic environment.

The Bottom Line

So, can succulents grow in water? The answer is a resounding "yes!" Even though they're not your typical water babies, certain succulents can adapt to a hydroponic lifestyle. Just follow the steps, know the risks, and get ready to explore a whole new world of succulent growing.

You are adventure gardeners. Let's enjoy the journey of discovering new ways to grow these amazing plants. Who knows?

By growing succulents in water, you can witness the fascinating process of roots developing and thriving in a transparent environment. Indulging in this practice can be a therapeutic and visually satisfying journey as you observe root formation, nutrient uptake, and overall plant health in a captivating water medium. 

 

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