How to shift your cuttings from water to soil

Are your cuttings (also known as slips) grown in water outgrowing their propagation station? If so, it might be time to transfer them into a planter with soil for optimal growth.

 

But how do you know when to transplant your cuttings?

 

Water-propagated plant cuttings can be transferred into soil once their roots have grown to 1/2 inch in length. While they can thrive in water for a long time with fresh water and nutrients, eventually, they will need soil.

 

To get started, mix equal parts fresh water and your favorite potting mix in a container. Make sure not to use a potting mix that already contains fertilizer, as it can burn the cutting and slow the growing process. Find a pot with drain holes and fill a small planting container with the soil and water mixture about 3/4 of the way to the top, leaving space in the center for your cutting.

 

Gently remove your cutting from its vial and place it into the cavity of the pot. Carefully fill the hole with soil, leaving new growth exposed. Firmly press the soil around the stem and water your cutting with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer. Place your newly planted cutting in a warm area with indirect sunlight until new growth appears.

 

Since every cutting may not survive the transplanting process, it's a good idea to start multiple at once. Our five-vase propagation station is a great option for this!