Growing Succulents In Water – The Ultimate Aquarist’S Guide

Written ByHoward Parker

Ever look at your lush, thriving aquarium, then glance over at your collection of hardy succulents and think, “What if?” If you’ve ever wondered whether you could merge these two amazing hobbies, you’re in the right place. It might sound strange—after all, succulents are famous for hating “wet feet”—but the idea of growing them in water isn’t just possible; it’s a fantastic and rewarding project.

I get it. The thought of putting a desert plant in water feels like breaking a cardinal rule of plant care. But trust me on this one. As a fellow aquarist, I’m here to promise you that with the right technique, you can unlock a whole new way to propagate, display, and enjoy your favorite plants.

This comprehensive growing succulents in water guide will walk you through everything. We’ll explore the surprising benefits (especially for us fishkeepers!), gather the simple tools you need, and follow a foolproof step-by-step process. We’ll even cover the best plants for the job and how to troubleshoot common issues. Let’s dive in and merge the worlds of aquascaping and succulent gardening!

Why Bother Growing Succulents in Water? The Surprising Benefits for Aquarists

You might be asking, “Why fix what isn’t broken?” Succulents do just fine in soil. But shifting to water culture, even just for propagation, opens up a world of advantages, many of which tie directly into our aquarium hobby.

Here are some of the key benefits of growing succulents in water:

  • Pest-Free Propagation: Say goodbye to fungus gnats! Soil is a common breeding ground for these annoying pests. Growing in water completely eliminates this problem, keeping your plant space clean and pest-free.
  • Visible Root Growth: One of the most satisfying parts of this process is watching the roots emerge and grow. Using a clear glass vessel gives you a front-row seat to the magic, helping you know exactly when your plant is ready for soil (if you choose to transfer it).
  • Faster Rooting: For many succulent species, water propagation can actually be faster than traditional soil methods. The direct access to water encourages quicker root development.
  • A Unique Aesthetic: A collection of succulents rooting in minimalist glass jars and vases creates a stunning, modern display. It’s a living art piece that adds a touch of green to any room without the mess of soil.
  • The Aquarist’s Secret Weapon: This is my favorite part. The nutrient-rich water from your aquarium changes is liquid gold for plants. Using this water for your succulents provides a gentle, natural fertilizer, making this a truly eco-friendly growing succulents in water method. It’s the ultimate sustainable crossover between hobbies!

Getting Started: Your Essential Toolkit for Water-Grown Succulents

One of the best parts about this project is how little you need to get started. You probably have most of these items around your home already. No fancy or expensive equipment is required here!

Here’s your simple checklist:

  • Healthy Succulent Cuttings: The success of your project starts with a good cutting. Choose a healthy, mature succulent and take a cutting that includes several leaves and a bit of stem.
  • A Sharp, Sterile Tool: A clean pair of scissors, pruning shears, or a sharp knife is crucial. Sterilizing your tool with rubbing alcohol prevents introducing bacteria to the fresh cut.
  • A Glass Vessel: This is where you can get creative! Small jars, vases, test tubes, or even old spice jars work perfectly. Clear glass is ideal so you can monitor the root growth and water level.
  • Water: You have a few options here. Dechlorinated tap water is fine (just let it sit out for 24 hours). But for a real boost, use the water you remove from your aquarium during a water change. It’s packed with nitrates and other goodies your plants will love.
  • A Bright Spot: Find a location that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. A sunny windowsill that doesn’t get scorched by the afternoon sun is perfect.

Your Step-by-Step Growing Succulents in Water Guide

Ready to get your hands wet? Following these steps carefully is the key to success. Don’t rush the process, especially the first step—it’s the most important one for preventing rot!

Here is how to growing succulents in water, broken down into simple, actionable steps.

  1. Take Your Cutting: Using your sterile shears or knife, take a cutting from a healthy mother plant. For rosette-style succulents like Echeveria, you can gently twist off a healthy lower leaf. For stemmed succulents like Jade, cut a 3-5 inch section of the stem.

  2. Let it Callus (This is CRUCIAL!): This is the step many people skip. You must let the cut end of your succulent dry out and form a callus. This seals the wound and prevents it from rotting when you place it in water. Place the cutting in a dry, shaded area for 3-5 days, or until the cut end is dry to the touch.

  3. Prepare Your Vessel and Water: Fill your clean glass vessel with water. If you’re using aquarium water, fantastic! If you’re using tap water, make sure it’s dechlorinated.

  4. Position Your Cutting: This is the trickiest part. You want the callused end of the cutting to be just above or barely touching the surface of the water. Do not submerge the stem or leaves. The humidity from the water will encourage roots to seek it out. You can use plastic wrap with a hole poked in it over the top of the jar to suspend the cutting perfectly in place.

  5. Find the Perfect Spot: Place your setup in a location with bright, indirect light. Direct sun can be too intense and may encourage algae to grow in the water.

  6. Practice Patience and Maintenance: Now, we wait! Check the water every few days. Change it completely about once a week to keep it fresh and oxygenated. This prevents bacterial growth. You should start to see tiny pink or white roots emerge from the callused end within 2 to 6 weeks.

The Best (and Worst) Succulents for Hydroponic Success

While many succulents can be propagated in water, some take to it much better than others. Starting with an easy-to-root variety will build your confidence and give you a higher chance of success.

Succulents That Thrive in Water

  • Jade Plant (Crassula ovata): Incredibly forgiving and roots very easily from stem cuttings. A perfect beginner choice.
  • Echeveria: These popular rosette succulents can be propagated from individual leaves. It’s magical to watch a whole new plant grow from a single leaf.
  • String of Pearls/Bananas/Dolphins: These trailing succulents root readily from stem cuttings placed in water.
  • Sempervivum (“Hens and Chicks”): You can easily pluck off the “chicks” and root them in water before planting.

Succulents to Approach with Caution

  • Fuzzy Succulents: Plants like the Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa) have fuzzy leaves that can trap moisture and are more prone to rot. They can be done, but it’s a challenge.
  • Burro’s Tail (Sedum morganianum): The delicate leaves fall off so easily that it can be difficult to manage in a water setup.
  • Lithops (“Living Stones”): These are highly specialized succulents and are extremely sensitive to overwatering. It’s best to stick to soil for these guys.

Mastering the Art: Growing Succulents in Water Best Practices

Once you see those first roots appear, you’re on your way! But to ensure long-term health, you’ll want to follow a few simple best practices. This is your ongoing growing succulents in water care guide.

Light is Everything

Succulents need a lot of light to thrive and maintain their compact shape. A spot that gets at least 6 hours of bright, indirect light is essential. If you notice your plant starting to stretch out and look “leggy,” it’s a sign it needs more light.

The Water Change Ritual

Stagnant water is a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. Changing the water at least once a week is one of the most important growing succulents in water tips. This replenishes oxygen and removes any waste. If you’re using aquarium water, this is a great time to give them a fresh, nutrient-rich dose.

To Fertilize or Not to Fertilize?

If you’re consistently using water from your aquarium, you likely won’t need any additional fertilizer. That water is already a perfect, gentle plant food. If you’re using plain tap water, you can add a heavily diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).

The Big Decision: Transitioning to Soil

Once your cutting has a healthy network of roots (about an inch long), you have a choice. You can either transfer it to a well-draining succulent soil mix or keep it in water indefinitely. Roots grown in water (“water roots”) are different from soil roots, so if you do transfer, be gentle and keep the soil slightly moist for the first week to help the plant acclimate.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Growing Succulents in Water (and How to Fix Them!)

Even with the best care, you might run into a snag. Don’t worry! Most issues are easy to fix. Here are some common problems with growing succulents in water and their simple solutions.

Help! My Stem is Black and Mushy!

This is stem rot, the number one enemy. It’s caused by bacteria, usually because the cutting didn’t callus properly or too much of the stem was submerged.

The Fix: Immediately remove the cutting from the water. With a sterile knife, cut off the rotted portion. Allow the cutting to callus over again for several days before retrying, ensuring only the very bottom is near the water.

Why is My Jar Turning Green?

That’s algae. It loves water and light. While mostly harmless, it’s not very attractive.

The Fix: This is an easy one. Clean the jar thoroughly during your weekly water change. You can also switch to an opaque vase or wrap the glass part of your jar to block some light.

It’s Been Weeks and I See No Roots!

Patience is a virtue in gardening! Some succulents just take their sweet time.

The Fix: First, double-check that your cutting was healthy to begin with. Ensure it’s getting enough bright, indirect light. As long as the cutting isn’t rotting, just give it more time. Some can take over a month to show signs of life.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Succulents in Water

Can succulents live in water forever?

Yes, many can! This practice is a form of hydroponics. However, they will grow much slower than they would in soil. You’ll need to be diligent about changing the water and providing nutrients (like aquarium water) to sustain them long-term.

Do I need to add fertilizer to the water?

If you’re using water from your aquarium, you’re already covered! It’s a fantastic natural fertilizer. If you’re using regular tap water, you can add a few drops of a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer to provide essential nutrients.

How long does it take for succulents to root in water?

It varies widely by species and conditions. Generally, you can expect to see the first signs of roots in 2 to 6 weeks. Be patient, and as long as the plant looks healthy, the roots will come.

Can I grow succulents directly *in* my aquarium?

This is a great question! You cannot submerge a succulent’s leaves and stem in your tank—it will rot and die. However, you can absolutely grow them “emmersed,” where the roots are in the water and the plant itself is above the water. You can place cuttings in the back of a hang-on-back filter or create a custom planter on the rim of your tank. This is a fantastic way to have your plants help filter your aquarium water!

Your Hydroponic Journey Awaits!

There you have it—everything you need to know about the fascinating world of growing succulents in water. It’s a simple, clean, and visually stunning way to create more of the plants you love.

By merging your knowledge as an aquarist with these simple horticultural tips, you can create a beautiful, sustainable system that benefits both your plants and your passion for aquatic life.

So go ahead, snip a cutting from your favorite Jade plant, grab an empty jar, and use some of that water from your next tank change. You’re about to discover just how rewarding this simple project can be. Happy growing!

Howard Parker
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