From the page: The glass jar still has plenty of stories left in it
Idea 3
Decorative water cutting
Rooting cuttings in water is an old nursery technique called propagation by cuttings. It works because many plants grow roots directly from nodes on the stem when submerged — the water keeps moisture constant, and you get to watch the whole process through the clear glass.
What you need
- Clean glass jars (jam, hearts of palm, or olive jars work well)
- Cuttings from easy plants: pothos, ivy, coleus, mint, or pansy
- Clean water, preferably filtered or left to sit for a day
- A bright spot with no direct sunlight
How to make it
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1
Choose a healthy stem with at least two or three nodes (the little dots where leaves and roots grow), because roots sprout from the nodes.
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2
Cut just below a node and remove any leaves that would be submerged, since leaves in water rot and contaminate everything.
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3
Place the cutting in the jar with water covering the nodes, without overfilling — this keeps oxygen available for the roots.
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4
Keep the jar near a bright window, because light without direct sun heats the water less and prevents algae.
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5
Change the water every three or four days to replenish oxygen and prevent fungus.
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6
When the roots are about 2 inches long, plant it in soil or keep it in the glass as a decorative piece.
Finishing touches
Group jars of different heights on a tray for a floating garden effect. Pothos is the winner for beginners: it roots fast and forgives forgetfulness.
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