How I Grow Rosemary from Cuttings in Water is an easy way to grow a new plant without using soil in the beginning. You just need a fresh stem, a glass of clean water, and a little patience. Slowly small roots will grow, and then you can plant it in soil. This method is simple and works well even if you are a beginner.
I have tried this method at my home, and I am sharing it from my real experience. The first time I tried, I was not sure if it would grow or not. But after some days, small white roots started growing in water, and I felt very happy. Now I use this same method whenever I want to grow more rosemary plants for my garden or kitchen area.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Why I Love Growing Rosemary in Water
- No need of soil in the beginning
- Less mess and easy to manage
- You can see roots growing clearly in water
- It’s free and simple, no special tools needed
- Works even in small spaces like balcony, window, kitchen
So, if you also love gardening like me, this is the best and most natural way to grow rosemary from an existing plant.
Things You Need
Before starting, collect these simple things:
- Fresh rosemary cutting (4–6 inches long)
- Clean glass or jar
- Filtered or normal clean water
- Scissors or garden cutter
- A place with bright but indirect sunlight
Step-by-Step – How I Grow Rosemary from Cuttings in Water
1. Selecting the Best Rosemary Cutting
I always choose a soft, green, and healthy rosemary stem. It should not be brown, dry, or very woody. The best cutting size is around 10–15 cm (4–6 inches). I cut the stem just below a leaf node, because that is the place from where roots will grow.
2. Remove the Lower Leaves
After cutting, I gently remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem. The upper leaves should remain as they help in photosynthesis. No leaves should touch the water, otherwise they start rotting and spoil the whole process.
3. Place the Stem in Water
Now I fill a small glass jar with clean water and put the rosemary cutting inside. Only the stem should be inside the water, not the leaves. I use a transparent glass so I can easily see when roots start growing.
4. Keep in Bright but Indirect Light
I place the jar near a window where it gets plenty of light but no direct afternoon sunlight. Direct sunlight can make the stem dry or burn, especially in summer.
5. Change Water Every 2–3 Days
This is the most important step. I change the water every 2–3 days. Clean water keeps the stem fresh and stops fungus or bacteria. If the water looks cloudy or smells bad, immediately change it.
6. Roots Start Growing
After 10–15 days, I start seeing small white roots at the bottom of the stem. Sometimes it takes a little longer depending on the weather. I wait until the roots become 1–2 inches long, then it is ready to plant in soil.
Planting the Rooted Cutting in Soil
After the roots grow properly, I shift the cutting into soil. Here’s how I do it:
- I use a small pot with holes for drainage.
- I prepare light soil by mixing garden soil, sand, and cocopeat.
- I make a small hole in the soil and place the rooted stem carefully.
- Then I cover it with soil and press gently.
- I water the soil lightly, not too much.
- For 3–4 days, I keep it in shade so that roots adjust properly.
In a few weeks, new leaves start growing, which means the cutting is now a healthy rosemary plant.
My Helpful Tips for Better Results
From my own experience, these small tips work really well:
- Always choose a fresh, green stem.
- Use clean water and clean glass jar.
- Do not let leaves stay inside water.
- Keep the cutting in bright light but not direct sun.
- Change water regularly for faster root growth.
- Be patient – rooting takes time but it works.
Common Problems and My Solutions
| Problem | Why It Happens | My Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Stem turning brown | Dirty or old water | Change water every 2–3 days |
| Leaves becoming yellow | Too much sunlight or water touching leaves | Keep only stem in water and give indirect light |
| No roots growing | Stem is old or woody | Use fresh young stem |
| Bad smell from water | Bacteria growth | Wash jar and refill fresh water |
Why Rosemary Is a Good Plant to Grow
- Rosemary is used in cooking for flavour.
- Its leaves have a strong smell that keeps insects away.
- It is a low-maintenance plant and grows well in pots.
- Once it grows well, you can take more cuttings and make more plants easily.
Conclusion
This is the simple and natural way I use to grow rosemary from cuttings in water. It does not need much cost or effort, only love and patience. If you follow these easy steps, I am sure you can grow your own rosemary at home.
How to Grow Rosemary in Soil, Water, from Cuttings and Seeds – My Real Experience
