Rooting Impatiens Cuttings in Water: A Simple Test

Impatiens are typically propagated from seed for efficiency, but rooting cuttings in water is possible and easy to try. Simply snip a 4–6 inch stem tip, remove lower leaves, and place it in a glass of water on a bright windowsill (avoid direct sun). Change the water every few days.

Roots often appear within 1–2 weeks. Once they're an inch long, pot the cutting in moist potting mix and keep it humid (a plastic bag tent helps) until established. Using a rooting hormone can improve success rates, but isn't strictly necessary for impatiens.

This method is a fun, low-cost way to multiply favorite varieties. For large numbers, seed remains more practical. Experiment with a few cuttings—you'll know quickly if they'll root.