Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) is a vigorous, trailing plant known for its bright, coin-shaped leaves and ease of propagation. Water propagation is a favored method because it allows the gardener to visually monitor the rooting process. Stem cuttings are highly responsive to this technique, often developing new roots quickly. This process multiplies your plant collection for use as groundcover, in hanging baskets, or as a vibrant accent in container gardens.
Selecting and Preparing the Cuttings
Successful water propagation begins with selecting healthy plant material that exhibits vigorous growth. Choose non-flowering stems, as the plant’s energy is best directed toward root production rather than flower maintenance. Use a sharp, sterilized cutting tool, such as clean scissors or a razor blade, to make a precise cut. Sterilizing the tool prevents the transfer of pathogens, which can cause the cutting to rot.
Each cutting should be approximately two to four inches long, and the cut must be made just below a leaf node. The node contains specialized meristematic tissue where the new roots will emerge. Carefully remove the leaves from the bottom one-third to one-half of the stem, exposing at least two or three nodes. Submerged foliage will decay, introducing bacteria that can compromise the cutting’s health.
Establishing the Water Propagation Setup
Once the cuttings are prepared, they need a controlled environment to encourage root formation. A clear glass jar or vase works well for a container, allowing sunlight to penetrate and providing an unobstructed view of the developing roots. Fill the container with room-temperature water, ensuring that all the exposed nodes on the cutting are fully submerged. While Creeping Jenny is generally tolerant, some gardeners prefer to use filtered water or leave tap water out overnight to allow chlorine to dissipate.
Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight, such as an east-facing windowsill. Direct, intense sun can overheat the water and damage the delicate new growth, while insufficient light will slow the rooting process. The water must be refreshed every few days to prevent the growth of anaerobic bacteria and to replenish the dissolved oxygen supply. This maintenance step is paramount to success.
Root Development and Transitioning to Soil
Within a typical timeframe of one to three weeks, small, white roots will begin to emerge from the submerged nodes. This is the first clear sign that the water propagation has been successful and the cuttings are establishing an independent root system. Allow the roots to grow until they are approximately one to two inches long; this length provides the necessary anchoring and surface area for nutrient and water absorption in soil.
Before planting, the cuttings benefit from a process called “hardening off,” which gradually acclimates them to less humid air and the fluctuations of a garden environment. Begin by placing the rooted cuttings in a protected, shaded outdoor spot for a couple of hours a day, slowly increasing the time and light exposure over a week. When planting the cuttings, choose a moist, well-draining soil, which mimics Creeping Jenny’s preferred natural habitat. Gently nestle the new roots into the soil, planting the stem at the same depth it sat in the water, and water it immediately to settle the soil around the root structure.