How To Root Cilantro In Water

You can root cilantro in water pretty easily, and it’s one of the simplest kitchen projects you’ll ever try.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to root cilantro in water, the answer is yes, you absolutely can, and it takes just a few days to get started.
 
All you need is a bunch of fresh cilantro with healthy stems, a glass or jar, and some clean water.
 
This method works because cilantro stems can grow new roots when submerged in water, similar to how basil or green onions do it.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to root cilantro in water step by step, plus tips to keep it growing strong.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Root Cilantro in Water

Learning how to root cilantro in water comes down to giving the stems the right conditions to sprout roots.
 
Here are the key steps to root cilantro in water successfully.
 

1. Pick the Right Cilantro Stems

To root cilantro in water, start with fresh, healthy stems.
 
Look for cilantro that still has firm, green stems and no signs of wilting or yellowing.
 
The best stems to root cilantro in water are the thicker ones near the base of the bunch.
 
Avoid stems that are too thin or mushy because they won’t root cilantro in water as well.
 
If you bought a bunch from the store, cut about an inch off the bottom before you root cilantro in water.
 
This fresh cut helps the stem take up water more efficiently.
 

2. Trim the Stems Properly

Before you root cilantro in water, trim the ends at a slight angle.
 
A diagonal cut gives more surface area for water absorption when you root cilantro in water.
 
Remove any leaves that would sit below the water line.
 
If leaves stay submerged while you root cilantro in water, they’ll rot and turn the water cloudy.
 
So strip the lower leaves, leaving just a few at the top.
 
This prepares the stems to root cilantro in water without any issues.
 

3. Place Stems in a Jar of Water

Now it’s time to actually root cilantro in water.
 
Fill a clean glass or jar with about two inches of fresh water.
 
Put the cilantro stems in so the cut ends are submerged, but the leaves stay dry.
 
Place the jar in a spot with bright, indirect light.
 
Direct sun can overheat the water while you root cilantro in water, so avoid a hot windowsill.
 
A kitchen counter near a window works great.
 

4. Change the Water Every Few Days

To root cilantro in water successfully, change the water every two to three days.
 
Fresh water keeps bacteria from building up while you root cilantro in water.
 
Cloudy water is a sign that your cilantro isn’t rooting well, so stay on top of it.
 
Each time you change the water, rinse the stems gently.
 
This simple habit makes a big difference when you root cilantro in water.
 

What to Expect When You Root Cilantro in Water

Once you root cilantro in water, you’ll start seeing small white roots within five to ten days.
 
The roots will emerge from the cut ends of the stems.
 
At first they’ll be tiny, but they grow quickly once they appear.
 
Within two weeks, you should have a decent root system.
 
That’s when you can either keep the cilantro in water or transfer it to soil.
 
Knowing how to root cilantro in water means knowing when it’s ready for the next step.
 

1. Roots Appear in About a Week

When you root cilantro in water, most stems show root nubs in about seven days.
 
Some stems root cilantro in water faster than others, so be patient.
 
If a stem hasn’t rooted after two weeks, it probably won’t.
 
Just toss those and keep the ones that did root cilantro in water properly.
 

2. Keep Them in Water or Move to Soil

You can keep cilantro you root in water growing in the jar for a while.
 
But cilantro that you root in water eventually does better in soil.
 
Once roots are about two inches long, plant the stems in potting mix.
 
Keep the soil moist for the first week after you root cilantro in water and transplant it.
 

3. Watch for Common Problems

Sometimes cilantro you root in water doesn’t make it.
 
The most common issue is stem rot from dirty water.
 
Another problem is wilting from too much direct sun.
 
If you root cilantro in water in a hot spot, the leaves may dry out.
 
Fix these issues early and your cilantro should recover.
 

So, How Do You Root Cilantro in Water?

You root cilantro in water by cutting fresh stems, stripping lower leaves, and placing them in a jar with two inches of clean water.
 
Change the water every few days and keep the jar in bright, indirect light.
 
Within a week or two, you’ll see roots forming and your cilantro will be ready to plant or keep growing in water.
 
Hope this guide helps you root cilantro in water and enjoy fresh cilantro anytime you want.