--- title: "What are the pros/cons to water prop vs soil prop? Idk what to use…" description: "What are the pros/cons to water prop vs soil prop? Idk what to use more often, but I've been using water propagation and it works out well most of the time.…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/GpJkJG2qS7KZ7LpSwQwhSg/ZOeyfjfxBPzaQDbuSLeY28" community: "Propagating & Sowing" author: "LittleMorningLatte" published: "2025-08-17T16:50:02.907855Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/propagatingAndSowing.jpg" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Propagating \& Sowing](https://getplanta.com/community/GpJkJG2qS7KZ7LpSwQwhSg.md) # What are the pros/cons to water prop vs soil prop? Idk what to use… _Posted by LittleMorningLatte on 2025-08-17_ What are the pros/cons to water prop vs soil prop? Idk what to use more often, but I've been using water propagation and it works out well most of the time. Any tips? ## 10 comments ### Isabella commented on 2025-08-17 Soil prop is generally better in the long run. It can develop stronger roots leading to a stronger plant and is faster for most plants and the plant will live longer #### LittleMorningLatte replied on 2025-08-17 Oh. Last time I tried it died but I think that's bc I didn't keep the soil wet enough #### LittleMorningLatte replied on 2025-08-17 How do you keep it wet without root rot? ### smelliot commented on 2025-08-17 i’ve personally had better luck water propping then later being moved to soil. most props i start in soil rot almost immediately, with the exception of succulents. when it comes to water propping, green/algae in the water is okay and not killing the plant, and i would recommend leaving some of the water in there as it has a growth hormone. let cuttings fully callus before putting in water. optionally, i’ve invested in propagation drops and rooting hormone, it’s not necessary but can make the prop process go faster. #### LittleMorningLatte replied on 2025-08-17 Oh! I've heard devils backbone/golden pothos have a rooting hormone in their stems, does that help any? #### smelliot replied on 2025-08-17 most plants naturally carry some rooting hormone in order to promote root growth. there are supplements like propagation drops, fertilizers, and powdered rooting hormone. #### LittleMorningLatte replied on 2025-08-17 How do you know so much- did you major in AG? #### smelliot replied on 2025-08-17 I worked part time for a plant sitter that was a good friend of mine, she majored in AG and started her own plant business ### Isabella commented on 2025-08-17 You want to lightly mist it and don’t want the soil to be soggy but you can look up how much water to hive to certain plant cuttings some like to dry out a little #### LittleMorningLatte replied on 2025-08-17 Alr --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_