I've been reading a lot of different opinions on how to handle water for plant propagation, and I'm getting mixed messages. Some folks say you should change the water every few days, while others suggest just topping it off. I even heard from a plant-savvy friend that you shouldn't change it at all because the plants release something beneficial into the water that helps roots grow. I'm curious if the best approach varies depending on the type of plant or if there's a general method that's recommended for changing or maintaining propagation water as roots develop. I'd love to hear your thoughts!
1 Answer
You can definitely do either! Topping off the water is perfectly fine, but if it starts looking dirty or slimy, it's better to change it. Since there's usually not a ton of water, many people find it's easier to just swap it out each time. About those root exudates helping with growth? I'm not convinced there’s much to that—might be a bit of a myth. But if you're curious, you can always try adding a tiny bit of IBA rooting hormone to boost root growth.
Thanks for the advice! I had a friend who gave me some pothos cuttings, and after I initially changed the water, I switched to just topping it off. The roots just went wild! Do you think the water temperature or any chemicals could have affected that?