– Why is it so easy to overwater a plant, but sticking the roots directly underwater is how you propagate it?

Question

Title. It’s just funny to me how cautious I am not to overwater my plants when in soil. But if I cut a piece of a plant and stick it in 100% water it thrives. Wouldn’t the roots being literally underwater be “overwatered” as well?

In: Biology

Answer 1

The problem comes from a lack of oxygen getting to the roots. The natural ebb and flow of water in soil helps to drive the oxygen exchange. When soil sits water logged, the roots die from oxygen starvation once all that is available is used.

You can grow plants directly in water if you throw a fish tank air stone in the bucket. It’s called “deep water” hydroponics.