---
title: "What fertilizer do you recommend when water propagating?"
description: "What fertilizer do you recommend when water propagating?"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/aObwCGKtPgF8mYswBj32N4"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Amy"
published: "2025-02-11T14:54:59.133167Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lyHX10d3xbzqkrjL-z6GXk6T_cqSC-Vb4D4nH4KteB4/c8Rt0b7YQP63lbWJGyvbzw.webp?size=large"
---

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# What fertilizer do you recommend when water propagating?

_Posted by Amy on 2025-02-11_

What fertilizer do you recommend when water propagating?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lyHX10d3xbzqkrjL-z6GXk6T_cqSC-Vb4D4nH4KteB4/c8Rt0b7YQP63lbWJGyvbzw.webp?size=large)

## 5 comments

### K commented on 2025-02-11

I actually did a 4 month experiment with a few different species where I took 9 different similar cuttings per species and compared in different conditions. The additives I tested for water props were prop drops and B vitamins specifically. And honestly, they weren’t worth it. They needed way more frequent water changes and the growth wasn’t significantly different. Obviously that’s not a big n, but since that test I’ve stuck with plain water and have noticed similar growth with way less effort on props.

The one thing that made a big difference was a heat mat, so I do put them in warmer places if it’s a prop I care about moving quickly.

#### K replied on 2025-02-11

If I’m propping with the intention to move a plant into a hydro or semi-hydro setup then I usually wait until there are secondary roots and then will start using the same nutrient solution I use for my hydro/semi hydro plants overall. But it doesn’t really make sense to waste nutrients before the plant has roots capable of using them.

Oh also: I did test rooting powder and a more classic NAA rooting hormone. If you’re propping in water they didn’t make a difference.

### Alocasia addict commented on 2025-02-11

I use 1-2 drops of superthrive ( depending on size of plant/container) and also use a heat mat like K does. It seems to work well for me.

### Amy commented on 2025-02-11

Thanks. I know people say pothos are “easy” plants but mine seem to curl, turn yellow and get root rot so easily. I bottom water when dry and will be switching pots from gardening plastic to unglazed terra cotta, as that seems to make them happiest. When they start looking bad I put them in water and the roots grow so well. What am I doing wrong?

### Sunny commented on 2025-02-11

I fertilize once the roots show on the cutting. I use Miracle Gro blue crystals. Dilute in water so it’s 50% of the recommended solution. I add SuperThrive plant vitamins. These work for me. I used to propagate my extra spider plant babies in old starter pots. I even used the old soil. I realized the baby plants were living and most were thriving after adding SuperThrive and paying attention to watering routines. I ended up an excess spider plant problem. 😁

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/wefqOljjhEOiS9LRzOB1-QhxkVJiB4A5DGumXhnNrhs/GqfGzFcBTiCnbmnTBK7b2Q.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/wefqOljjhEOiS9LRzOB1-QhxkVJiB4A5DGumXhnNrhs/8L6Fh669Ruy1XRZiO_OAIw.webp?size=large)

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