How to Root a Wisteria in Water

Sanitize a pair of gardening shears by wiping the blades thoroughly with rubbing alcohol to remove bacteria that could lead to infection and kill the wisteria. Allow the sanitized gardening shears to air-dry for three to five minutes.

Slice a 6- to 8-inch-long cutting from the end of a healthy wisteria vine. Make the cut diagonally with the sanitized gardening shears. The diagonal surface exposes more of the wisteria’s vine to the water and rooting hormone, increasing the chance of success.

Dip the cut end of the wisteria in rooting hormone, following the manufacturer’s instructions to encourage the maximum amount of growth.

Fill the wisteria’s rooting container with cool water 4 inches deep. This leaves some of the wisteria exposed to sunlight. Do not add fertilizer to the water, as this kills wisteria before it has a chance to root. Any container works, but one approximately 6 inches high is best.

Place the wisteria cutting in the water, leaning it against the side of the glass. Position the glass in a warm, sunny windowsill and allow the wisteria to root. In 40 to 100 days, the wisteria cutting should begin to produce roots and new leaves. Keep the water level at approximately 4 inches until the cutting roots.

Transfer the rooted wisteria to a container or the ground about 10 days after it produces roots. Consult your local gardening store for specific planting instructions for your species of wisteria, as the care varies. In general, plant wisteria in well-drained soil in a sunny location.