Transferring Props from Water to Soil
By Maddy Hogan
In a continuation of our earlier blog post, Propagation: What’s easiest and how to master it!, we are now discussing how to successfully transfer your rooted props to their new full-time home in a pot with soil.
Preparing for the Transition
- Before moving your plant propagations to soil, it is essential to ensure you have all the necessary materials at hand. Gather small pots or containers with good drainage, nutrient-rich potting soil, a spray bottle for watering, and a trowel or spoon for planting. Additionally, you may need a rooting hormone, we recommend Clonex mist, to encourage healthy root development.
- The new potting container you choose should be 1-2” larger than your propagations roots are long. For example, if the roots on your propagation are 4” long, we recommend choosing a pot that is 6” in diameter. This allows for the proper amount of space for the roots to establish themselves in soil, while not being overcrowded.
Timing the Transfer
- Timing is everything when transitioning propagations from water to soil. The water roots should be at least 1-2” in length at minimum for a successful transition, but if you aren’t in a hurry, 2-4” inches long is preferred for better root establishment. Transitioning roots from water to soil too early can lead to root damage as water roots are more sensitive than soil roots.
- The time it takes for a water propagation to grow roots 2-4” in length will vary by plant species. To stick with the species from our previous blog, pothos, philodendrons, and monsteras can begin rooting within 3 to 6 weeks, where pileas can quickly begin rooting within a matter of days.
Preparing the Soil
- Beginning with your potting container that is 2” larger than your propagated roots are long, fill the pot with 2” of a nutrient rich potting soil that has a good ratio of peat moss and perlite. Peat moss will assist with water retention in the soil which is important when transferring from 100% water-based propagation to soil. You will want to keep the soil consistently moist without over saturating. Perlite will assist with aeration in the soil to ensure that the moisture doesn’t create a means for harmful bacteria that can impact your new root system.
Transplant Process
- Gently remove the cutting from the water, taking care not to damage the delicate roots. If the roots have tangled, carefully untangle them to prevent breakage. Optional step to give the rooted cutting a rinse with warm water and spray with Clonex mist to encourage healthy root growth.
- Prepare a small hole in the potting soil, ensuring it's deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending or crowding them.
- Place the cutting in the pot, making sure the roots are spread out naturally.
- Fill the hole with potting soil, gently compacting it around the cutting to provide stability.
- Water the newly potted cutting thoroughly, ensuring the soil is evenly moist but not soggy. Use a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the delicate roots.
- Place the potted cutting in a warm and well-lit location, avoiding direct sunlight initially to prevent stress. Gradually introduce more sunlight over the course of a few days based on what the type of plant needs.
Post-Transplant Care
- Provide consistent care for your newly transplanted cuttings to support their adaptation to soil and growth. Keep the soil slightly moist, but not waterlogged, and avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Monitor the plant for signs of stress or wilting, and adjust watering accordingly. As the plant establishes itself, introduce a regular fertilization schedule suitable for the specific plant species between the months of April - October.
