Propagating Clematis in Water

Soak a 24-ounce glass jar in boiling water for 10 minutes to sterilize it. Place it upside-down on a clean towel to drain, dry and cool off for a half-hour before using it to propagate a clematis cutting.

Measure out a portion of wax paper large enough to cover the opening of the jar with a 2-inch overlap on all sides. Cut the wax paper with scissors. Set the wax paper aside until later.

Fill the jar with water to within 2 inches of the top. Use distilled water or tap water that has been boiled and allowed to cool completely. Avoid using straight tap water since the high chlorine content can damage the clematis cutting.

Place the wax paper over the opening of the jar. Secure it around the top of the jar with a rubber band. Poke a hole in the center of the wax paper. Make sure the hole measures at least 1/4-inch in diameter.

Measure out a 6- to 8-inch-long cutting from the tip of a healthy clematis vine. Select one with few or no blossoms and plenty of foliage at the tip. Sever the cutting using pruning shears with clean blades.

Strip off the leaves from along the lower half of the clematis cutting with your fingers. Insert the cutting through the hole in the wax paper until the lowest set of leaves rests on the top.

Place the clematis cutting where it will receive extremely bright light, but protect it from direct sun, which can make it scorch and wilt. Protect it from temperature fluctuations and strong wind, which can damage the cutting.

Change out the water for fresh whenever it appears cloudy. Avoid leaving the clematis cutting in dirty water for too long since this increases the likelihood of rot due to an excess of bacteria. Discard the cutting and start again if it develops a black stem.

Watch for root growth starting in three months, but do not be disappointed if it takes up to six months for the cutting to root. Transplant the clematis cutting into a 5-inch plastic pot filled with sterile potting soil as soon as the roots grow to 1 inch in length.