Hey all,

Im trying to create a fast growing, strong root system using only water. I know some plants like mint and rosemary grow really well in water; however, i was wondering if anyone had any suggestions for other plants that are easily propogated in water AND have strong root structures and are hopefully fast growing.

Thanks in advance,

Naneh

I grew tomato and cucumber hydroponically earlier this year. Both grew like gangbusters. Lettuce also grows well with aquaponics.

My daughter has Kale in her hydroponic system. It is HUGE!

to the site . . . you mention mint and rosemary; both herbs. Are you speaking of herbs or houseplants too. Because I know from my mom that Golden Pothos Golden Pothos (Epipremnum 'Golden Queen') grows really well in water. She has a plant in potting mix and when it gets real long she clips all the stems off and places them in a vase. They form a mass of roots in the vase.

There are so many plants that grow well in water. Here are a few:
http://www.bhg.com/gardening/p...

Depending on exactly your goal, I think the tomatoes, cucumbers, or other from seed will make a faster, big set of roots, than typical houseplant cutting. Tomato and cucumber will also make a bigger plant on top- don't know if that's going to be a problem.
Do you want to tell us more about what you want? Demonstrating roots for science class..?

Sure -- it's sort of an art/science project. I shouldve clarified, i'm looking for plant cuttings, not to grow from seed. I'm experimenting with being able to manipulate root growth in certain directions. My philodendron cuttings make bulky roots in water, grows pretty quickly. Was wondering if there were any plants that functioned similarly.

Coleus makes roots really fast. Spider plant baby plants too. Tradescantia family, often called wandering Jew or inch plants.

I'd also suggest Christmas Cactus and mint. My Christmas Cacti are always growing roots when I haven't the time or resources to pot them, though I'm not sure how fast they root, really?

Maybe bamboo or impatiens?

I would recommend leafy plants as a start and then fruit plants. Zucchini for instance grows very fast and produces kilos of fruits per plant