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You can regrow cilantro from cuttings, and it’s one of the easiest herbs to propagate this way.
Those stems you’d normally toss away can turn into a whole new plant with just a little patience and a glass of water.
If you’ve been wondering how to regrow cilantro from cuttings, the good news is you don’t need a green thumb or fancy equipment to pull it off.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to regrow cilantro from cuttings step by step, plus the mistakes that trip most people up.
Let’s dig in.
Why You Can Regrow Cilantro From Cuttings
Cilantro is a fast-growing herb, and its stems are surprisingly eager to root when given the right conditions.
Here’s why regrowing cilantro from cuttings actually works:
1. Cilantro Stems Contain Rooting Nodes
Every cilantro stem has tiny nodes along its length where leaves once grew.
These nodes are packed with cells ready to turn into roots when they sense moisture.
That’s why a simple stem cutting can grow into a brand new cilantro plant.
2. Cilantro Roots Quickly in Water
Unlike some stubborn herbs, cilantro roots fast in plain water.
Within a week or two, you’ll spot fine white roots emerging from the base of the cutting.
This makes regrowing cilantro from cuttings a fun project even for total beginners.
3. Cuttings Skip the Slow Seed Stage
Growing cilantro from seed takes time, and cilantro is notorious for bolting quickly.
When you regrow cilantro from cuttings, you skip that slow germination phase entirely.
You’re basically cloning a plant that’s already proven it can grow in your space.
4. You Get a Head Start on Harvest
Because the cutting is already mature, it can produce usable leaves faster than a seedling.
So if you want cilantro on your windowsill sooner rather than later, cuttings are the way to go.
How to Regrow Cilantro From Cuttings Step by Step
Now for the fun part — here’s exactly how to regrow cilantro from cuttings at home.
1. Pick Healthy Stems
Start with fresh, green cilantro stems that aren’t flowering or turning yellow.
Cut a stem about four to six inches long just below a leaf node.
Remove the lower leaves so only the top cluster remains, since leaves sitting in water will just rot.
2. Place the Cutting in Water
Pop your cilantro cutting into a clean glass or jar filled with room-temperature water.
Make sure the node is submerged but the leaves stay above the waterline.
Set the jar somewhere bright but out of harsh direct sunlight.
3. Change the Water Every Few Days
Fresh water keeps bacteria away and gives your cutting the oxygen it needs to root.
Swap it out every two to three days, and you’ll see roots forming in about one to two weeks.
4. Transfer to Soil Once Roots Appear
When the roots reach an inch or two long, it’s time to plant your cilantro cutting in soil.
Use a light potting mix and keep it consistently moist for the first week.
This transition is the trickiest part of how to regrow cilantro from cuttings, so be gentle.
5. Give It Plenty of Light
Cilantro loves cool weather and bright, indirect light.
A sunny windowsill works great, but avoid scorching afternoon sun that can make it bolt.
Tips to Keep Your Regrown Cilantro Thriving
Getting roots is only half the battle — here’s how to keep your cilantro happy long-term.
1. Harvest From the Outside In
Snip the outer stems first and let the center keep growing.
This keeps your regrown cilantro from cuttings productive for weeks instead of days.
2. Watch Out for Bolting
Cilantro bolts fast in heat, sending up a flower stalk and turning leaves bitter.
Keep your plant in a cooler spot and water regularly to slow this down.
3. Feed It Lightly
A diluted liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks gives your cilantro a gentle boost.
Don’t overdo it, though — too much nitrogen leads to leafy plants with little flavor.
4. Start New Cuttings Regularly
Since cilantro has a short life cycle, take new cuttings every few weeks.
That way you’ll always have fresh stems to regrow cilantro from cuttings without gaps in your supply.
So, How to Regrow Cilantro From Cuttings?
You can regrow cilantro from cuttings by snipping healthy stems, rooting them in water, and transferring them to soil once roots form.
It’s a simple, rewarding way to keep fresh cilantro coming without buying new plants.
With a little light, clean water, and patience, those leftover stems become a thriving herb garden.
So next time you’re cooking with cilantro, don’t toss the stems — regrow them instead.