Euonymus commonly known as spindle trees, are versatile shrubs that can be propagated from cuttings. Rooting euonymus cuttings in water is an easy and effective way to multiply your plants. In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through the entire process of rooting euonymus cuttings in water, from start to finish.
Overview of Euonymus Plants
There are over 170 species of euonymus plants, both evergreen and deciduous. Popular varieties include Euonymus fortunei, Euonymus japonicus, and Euonymus alatus. These hardy shrubs are prized for their lush foliage and ability to thrive in a wide range of conditions
Euonymus can be propagated by seed, but the easiest method is taking stem cuttings. Rooting cuttings in water allows you to watch the root development. It’s a propagation technique that anyone can master with proper care and attention.
Step 1: Select a Healthy Parent Plant
Start by identifying a robust euonymus plant to take cuttings from. Choose a healthy specimen with no signs of disease or pests. Select branches that are semi-hardwood – not too soft or brittle. The parent plant should be at least 2-3 years old to yield the best cuttings.
Popular varieties like Emerald Gaiety, Emerald ‘n Gold, and Silver King root well from stem cuttings. Take cuttings in late summer or early fall when plants are actively growing.
Step 2: Prepare Cuttings with Rooting Hormone
Use clean, sharp pruners to take 5-6 inch euonymus cuttings. Each cutting should have 2-4 leaf nodes where new growth emerges. Remove the leaves from the lower half of each cutting.
Dip the stripped end of the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. Rooting hormone contains auxins that stimulate faster root growth. This optional step boosts the chances of successful propagation.
Step 3: Root Cuttings in Water
Fill small containers like jars or glasses with room temperature filtered or distilled water. Insert cuttings so the lower bare half is submerged in water while the upper leaves remain above the water line.
Place the containers in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Change the water every 4-5 days to prevent bacteria or fungus growth.
Step 4: Watch for Root Development
Within 2-3 weeks, you should notice white roots emerging from the nodes underwater. More vigorous root growth will develop with time.
Once cuttings have a network of 1-2 inch roots, they are ready to be potted in soil. Trim any dead or rotten parts before transplanting.
Step 5: Pot Rooted Cuttings in Soil
Gently remove rooted cuttings from water and plant in a quality potting mix. Use small containers or cell packs at first. Keep the soil moist but not soaked as young plants transition.
Gradually expose plants to more sun over 2-3 weeks. Repot in larger containers once established. Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer to nourish new growth.
Tips for Success
Follow these tips to achieve the best results rooting euonymus cuttings in water:
- Change water regularly to prevent bacteria or algae growth.
- Avoid overcrowding cuttings in containers.
- Remove flower buds or blooms which divert energy from root growth.
- Keep water oxygenated by using an air pump and air stone.
- Maintain consistent moisture when potting rooted cuttings.
- Give plants time to establish before exposing to full sun.
Troubleshooting Issues
Monitor cuttings closely and address any problems quickly:
- If leaves turn yellow, move to brighter light.
- Trim damaged roots and replace water to stop rotting.
- Add rooting hormone to cuttings with poor growth.
- Repot in dry soil if overwatered.
With proper care while rooting in water and after potting, euonymus cuttings will flourish into mature, lush shrubs. This simple propagation method allows you to easily multiply your euonymus collection.
The Benefits of Water Propagation
Rooting euonymus cuttings in water offers many advantages:
- Allows you to observe the fascinating process of roots emerging.
- Prevents disturbance and shock that can happen when burying cuttings in soil.
- Easy to provide consistent moisture and oxygenation.
- No need for rooting hormone if using a vigorous parent plant.
- Effective way to multiply your plants for free.
Rooting the Euonymus in Water
Fill your glass jar or container with filtered or distilled water. If desired, you can add a small amount of rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. Take off the leaves from the bottom of the cutting and put it in the jar, making sure the bottom node is covered with water.
Place the jar in a location with indirect sunlight and maintain a consistent room temperature. Change the water every week, ensuring it remains clean and free from contaminants. After a few weeks, you should start to see roots forming on the cutting.
Ideal Conditions for Euonymus Growth
Euonymus plants generally prefer bright, indirect light, although some species can tolerate partial shade. They thrive in well-drained soil, but can also adapt to growing in water. Its important to provide the right conditions for your Euonymus plant to ensure healthy growth.
When growing Euonymus in water, its essential to choose a healthy stem cutting from an established plant. The cutting should have at least two nodes, which are the points where leaves emerge. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a container filled with water. Change the water every few days to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria.
As the cutting develops roots, you can transfer it to a container with a well-draining potting mix. Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
It will grow well and look beautiful in your home or garden if you give it the right care. That being said, this plant will look beautiful in any room whether you grow it in soil or water.
There are a few important things you need to do before you start growing your Euonymus plant in water.
How to propagate Euonymus plants from softwood cuttings
FAQ
Is it better to root cuttings in water or soil?
When can I take euonymus cuttings?
Is Euonymus easy to grow?
Euonymus is an incredibly popular shrub. It’s easy to grow, disease resistant, pest resistant and easy to care for. It’s evergreen and looks great all year round! Euonymus is also super easy to propagate! Every year we sell close to 1000 euonymus plants. So each year we need to propagate new ones.
How do you cut Euonymus?
Take a cutting from a growing tip of the euonymus shrub in late spring with a hand held pruning tool. The cutting should be just beginning to become woody. This is known as a semi-hardwood cutting. A hard woody cutting is known as a hardwood cutting, and tender growth is known as a softwood cutting.
How do you grow Euonymus stem cuttings?
To grow Euonymus stem cuttings: Dip the stem cuttings into rooting hormone to help speed up root development. Then, plant the Euonymus stem cuttings in a pot with moist soil and water thoroughly.
How to propagate Euonymus?
The propagation method is the same for all euonymus varieties. You can propagate Euonymus by stem cutting or layering. I’ll show you how I propagated my euonymus using stem cutting and layering in the following video.
How do you root a Euonymus shrub?
Immediately place the cutting into a container of water to keep it hydrated. Euonymus is a species of plants grown as shrubs or vines in the United States. Propagation of the euonymus shrub or vine from a growing tip is known as rooting, and you can root a section of a euonymus shrub to create a new plant.
How long does Euonymus take to root?
It usually takes 4-6 weeks for euonymus stem cuttings to root. How often should I water my newly propagated euonymus plant? Water your newly propagated euonymus plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot.