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You can root cilantro cuttings in water or soil fairly easily.
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is one of those herbs that many gardeners want more of, and rooting cilantro cuttings is a smart way to multiply your plants without starting from seed.
If you’ve ever wondered how to root cilantro cuttings so you can get more of that fresh, citrusy flavor, the good news is that it’s a simple process almost anyone can do.
Rooting cilantro cuttings works best when you take healthy stems from a mature plant and give them the right conditions to develop roots.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to root cilantro cuttings in water, how to root cilantro cuttings in soil, and the common mistakes that stop cilantro cuttings from rooting.
How to Root Cilantro Cuttings in Water
Rooting cilantro cuttings in water is the easiest method for beginners, and here’s how to do it step by step.
1. Take Healthy Cuttings From a Mature Plant
Start by choosing a healthy, mature cilantro plant that isn’t already bolting.
Use clean, sharp scissors to cut a stem that’s about 4 to 6 inches long.
Make your cut just below a leaf node, since that’s where new roots will emerge.
Strip off the lower leaves so that only the top few leaves remain on the cutting.
2. Place the Cuttings in a Glass of Water
Put your cilantro cuttings in a clean glass or jar filled with fresh water.
Make sure the node where you removed leaves is submerged, but keep the remaining leaves above the waterline.
Place the glass in a spot with bright, indirect light, and avoid harsh afternoon sun.
3. Change the Water Every Couple of Days
Fresh water keeps cilantro cuttings healthy while they root.
Change the water every two to three days to prevent bacteria from building up.
You should start to see small white roots forming within one to two weeks.
4. Wait Until Roots Are an Inch or Two Long
Let the roots on your cilantro cuttings grow to about 1 to 2 inches before you do anything else.
Once they reach that length, you can either leave them in water or transplant them into soil.
How to Root Cilantro Cuttings in Soil
Rooting cilantro cuttings directly in soil gives you stronger plants from the start.
1. Use a Light, Well-Draining Potting Mix
Cilantro cuttings root best in a loose, well-draining potting mix.
Fill a small pot with moistened soil and poke a hole in the center with a pencil.
2. Dip the Cut End in Rooting Hormone
While it’s optional, dipping the cut end of your cilantro cuttings in rooting hormone can speed things up.
It also improves your chances of success if conditions aren’t perfect.
3. Keep the Soil Consistently Moist
Insert the cutting into the hole and gently firm the soil around the stem.
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy, since too much water can rot the stem.
4. Create a Humid Environment
Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a humidity dome to trap moisture.
Open it now and then to let fresh air circulate and prevent mold.
Rooting cilantro cuttings in soil usually takes two to three weeks.
Common Mistakes When Rooting Cilantro Cuttings
Even though rooting cilantro cuttings is simple, a few mistakes can stop the process cold.
1. Using Stems From a Bolting Plant
Cilantro that has started to bolt is focusing its energy on making seeds, not roots.
Choose stems from a plant that’s still in its leafy growing phase instead.
2. Letting the Cuttings Dry Out
Cilantro cuttings need constant moisture to form roots.
If the water level drops or the soil dries out, your cuttings will wilt fast.
3. Leaving Too Many Leaves on the Cutting
Too many leaves force the cutting to lose water through transpiration.
Trim the cutting down to just a few leaves so it can focus on root growth.
4. Skipping Fresh Water Changes
Stale water invites bacteria, which can rot the stem before roots ever form.
For cilantro cuttings in water, fresh water every few days makes a big difference.
So, How Do You Root Cilantro Cuttings?
You root cilantro cuttings by taking healthy stems from a mature plant and giving them moisture, light, and time to grow roots.
Rooting cilantro cuttings in water is the easiest route, while rooting cilantro cuttings in soil gives you sturdier plants.
Either way, avoiding common mistakes like dried-out stems and stale water will help your cilantro cuttings root successfully.
With a little patience, those tiny cilantro cuttings will turn into fresh, flavorful plants you can harvest again and again.