Rooting Hydrangea Cuttings in Water: Softwood Stems in Jars
Hydrangea cuttings in water start from short green stems with their lower leaves stripped. Roots form at the leaf nodes, so the bare nodes go under water while the top leaves stay dry.
The short answer
UGA Extension notes May through July is a good time to take softwood hydrangea cuttings. Illinois Extension advises a 5 to 6 inch stem from a branch that did not flower this year. Strip the lower two nodes, halve the large leaves plus give bright shade. Roots often form in 2 to 5 weeks.
When should hydrangea cuttings be taken?
UGA Extension notes May through July is a good window for softwood cuttings from the green, growing stems of hydrangea. Illinois Extension adds that most experts find a cutting works well when taken from a branch that did not flower this year.
NC State Extension lists bigleaf hydrangea, Hydrangea macrophylla, as a shrub that can be propagated by cuttings. Its propagation chapter notes softwood cuttings come from new growth.
How do you prepare a hydrangea cutting?
Illinois Extension lists five steps. Take a cutting 5 to 6 inches long. Remove the leaves from the bottom two leaf nodes, since most roots form at the node. Cut the largest leaves to about half size.
UGA Extension cut its stem just below the third pair of leaves, then removed that lowest pair. It notes stem cuttings should have at least two nodes but not too many, since new roots cannot support a large cutting.
Both pages root stems in a moist medium. For a jar, University of Maryland Extension notes cuttings of many plants root in clean tap water with no leaves under the surface. It advises changing the water at least twice a week or when it turns cloudy.
| Step | What to do | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Timing | May through July | UGA |
| Length | 5 to 6 inches | Illinois |
| Nodes | Strip the lower two | Illinois |
| Large leaves | Cut to about half | Illinois |
| Light | Bright shade, never sun | Illinois |
Source: University of Illinois Extension plus UGA Extension.
When do rooted hydrangea cuttings get potted?
Illinois Extension notes roots begin to form in 2 to 3 weeks, faster in warm weather. Some root within a week. UGA Extension expects 3 to 5 weeks with good moisture, light plus warmth.
UGA Extension grows its rooted cuttings indoors through the winter. In spring it sets them outdoors a few hours each day until they are hardened off. Illinois Extension notes hydrangeas like moist, partly sunny spots on the north or east side of a home.
How to: step by step
- Cut a 5 to 6 inch stem in early summer.
- Pick a branch that did not flower this year.
- Strip the leaves from the lower two nodes.
- Cut the largest leaves to half size.
- Stand the stem in clean water in bright shade.
- Change the water twice a week until roots form.
Troubleshooting
Wilting leaves: too much leaf for the stem. Illinois Extension advises cutting large leaves in half.
Scorched cutting: direct sun. Illinois Extension advises bright shade only.
Cloudy water: bacteria. Maryland Extension notes bacterial growth can rot cuttings. Replace the water.
For rooting see hydroponic in different mediums plus make cannabis clones. Read caring for your hydroponic system. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Rooting hydrangea cuttings in five easy steps, University of Illinois Extension
- Plant propagation for landscape and house plants, UGA Extension Forsyth County
- Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Extension Gardener Handbook, chapter 13: Propagation, NC State Extension
- Make more plants from cuttings: 5 plants that root easily in water, University of Maryland Extension, Maryland Grows
FAQ
How long do hydrangea cuttings take to root?
University of Illinois Extension notes hydrangea cuttings begin to root in 2 to 3 weeks, faster in warm weather, plus some root in one week. UGA Extension expects 3 to 5 weeks with good moisture, light plus warmth. A cutting that resists a gentle tug is rooting.
How long should a hydrangea cutting be?
University of Illinois Extension advises a cutting about 5 to 6 inches long. UGA Extension notes a stem cutting should have at least two nodes but not too many, since the new roots cannot support a large cutting. Strip the leaves from the lowest nodes.
Should hydrangea cuttings get rooting hormone?
University of Illinois Extension calls rooting hormone fully optional for hydrangea. UGA Extension dipped its hydrangea stems in hormone plus notes it helps cuttings root more quickly plus abundantly. Rooting hormone is sold at most garden supply stores.
What happens to rooted cuttings over winter?
UGA Extension grows its rooted hydrangea cuttings indoors through the first winter. In spring it sets them outside for a few hours each day so they harden off before life outdoors. Illinois Extension notes hydrangeas like moist, partly sunny spots.
How much light do hydrangea cuttings need?
University of Illinois Extension advises a bright shady spot for new cuttings plus never direct sun. University of Maryland Extension gives the same advice for cuttings in water, adding that a room near 70 degrees F suits rooting.
