How To Root Cilantro Cuttings

You can root cilantro cuttings in water or soil fairly easily.
 
Cilantro is one of those herbs that many gardeners assume can only be grown from seed, but rooting cilantro cuttings is totally doable when you know what you’re doing.
 
If you’ve ever snipped a few stems from a healthy cilantro plant and wondered whether those cuttings could turn into new plants, the answer is yes, and this guide will walk you through exactly how to root cilantro cuttings step by step.
 
The trick is understanding how cilantro grows, since it has a long taproot that behaves differently from many other herbs.
 
But with the right approach, rooting cilantro cuttings can save you time and give you a fresh supply of this tasty herb.
 
In this post, we’ll cover how to root cilantro cuttings successfully in both water and soil, the best time to take those cuttings, and the mistakes that cause most cilantro cuttings to fail.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Root Cilantro Cuttings: The Basics

Rooting cilantro cuttings works best when you start with healthy, mature stems and give them consistent moisture.
 
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a fast-growing annual herb, which means it naturally wants to bolt and go to seed quickly.
 
That fast life cycle is exactly why rooting cilantro cuttings can be so useful, because you can clone a plant you love before it bolts.
 
Here’s what you need to know before you start rooting cilantro cuttings:
 

1. Pick the Right Stems

When you’re rooting cilantro cuttings, choose stems that are firm, green, and about 4 to 6 inches long.
 
Avoid stems that are flowering or woody, since those root far less reliably.
 

2. Cut Just Below a Node

The node is the little bump where leaves attach to the stem, and it’s where new roots emerge when rooting cilantro cuttings.
 
Use clean scissors or pruners to make a diagonal cut just below that node.
 

3. Strip the Lower Leaves

Remove any leaves from the bottom inch or two of each stem.
 
This keeps the leaves from rotting while you’re rooting cilantro cuttings in water or soil.
 

Rooting Cilantro Cuttings in Water

Rooting cilantro cuttings in water is the easiest method for beginners.
 
All you need is a clean glass or jar, fresh water, and a little patience.
 
Here’s how to do it:
 

1. Place Cuttings in a Jar

Stand your cilantro cuttings in a jar with about 2 inches of water.
 
Make sure no leaves are sitting below the water line while rooting cilantro cuttings.
 

2. Change the Water Every Few Days

Fresh water keeps bacteria away, which matters a lot when rooting cilantro cuttings.
 
Swap it out every two to three days for the best results.
 

3. Give Them Bright, Indirect Light

Place the jar somewhere warm with bright, indirect light.
 
Rooting cilantro cuttings in direct sun can cook the stems before roots ever form.
 

4. Wait for Roots to Appear

Rooting cilantro cuttings in water usually takes one to two weeks.
 
Once roots are an inch or two long, you can transplant them into soil.
 

Rooting Cilantro Cuttings in Soil

Rooting cilantro cuttings directly in soil works too, and it skips the transplant shock that sometimes happens with water rooting.
 
Here’s the drill:
 

1. Use a Light Potting Mix

A loose mix of potting soil and perlite gives cilantro cuttings the drainage they need.
 

2. Dip in Rooting Hormone

Coating the cut end in rooting hormone boosts your odds when rooting cilantro cuttings in soil.
 

3. Keep the Soil Consistently Moist

Water gently and never let the soil dry out completely.
 
A humidity dome or plastic bag can help while rooting cilantro cuttings.
 

4. Be Patient for Two to Three Weeks

Rooting cilantro cuttings in soil takes longer than water, so don’t tug on the stems to check.
 
New growth means roots have formed.
 

Common Mistakes When Rooting Cilantro Cuttings

Most failures with rooting cilantro cuttings come down to a few avoidable issues:
 

1. Taking Cuttings From Bolting Plants

Stems from a flowering cilantro plant rarely root well.
 

2. Letting Water Go Stale

Stagnant water breeds bacteria that rot stems fast when rooting cilantro cuttings.
 

3. Skipping the Node

Cuts made above the node usually never produce roots.
 

4. Using Too Much Direct Sunlight

Harsh sun stresses cuttings before they have roots to support themselves.
 

So, How to Root Cilantro Cuttings?

Rooting cilantro cuttings is a simple process of taking healthy stems, cutting just below a node, and giving them consistent moisture in water or soil.
 
Once you know how to root cilantro cuttings, you can keep your favorite cilantro variety going all season long.
 
Just remember the key steps, keep the water fresh, and be patient.
 
Happy rooting.