Misting for Rooting Plants

Mist rooting plants from a distance.

Mist rooting plants from a distance.

The use of misting when rooting plants involves keeping the relative humidity high around the cutting while roots grow. Misting the rooting plant prevents the cutting from drying out. It also allows the cutting to carry on with normal plant functions such as photosynthesis and respiration without roots. Pouring water into the rooting container causes the loose rooting medium to compact, which removes air pockets needed for root growth. Misting keeps the soil light and loose.


Relative humidity is the amount of moisture in the air, and most rooting plants require higher levels of humidity than normal plants. Cuttings lack roots, which mean that they cannot take moisture up through the soil. They absorb water through their leaves. When the rooting plants do not receive enough moisture, they turn dry and develop brown leaf tips and edges. Poor root growth is a direct result of lack of moisture and leads to cutting failure.


The water used in misting needs to be at room temperature. Hot or overly warm water can cook the tops of the rooting plants, stopping photosynthesis. Ideal soil temperature is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which stimulates root development. Using cold water to mist the plants lowers the soil temperature and slows or stops the rooting process. Let the water rest for a couple of hours in a container before using it for misting.


The amount of misting depends on environmental conditions such as air temperature, surrounding humidity and rate of growth. Many cuttings require misting twice a day. When the soil starts to look dry, mist the cutting. Spray the cuttings with enough water that a thin layer of moisture forms on the leaves.


Use distilled or rain water when misting cuttings. Chemicals in tap water can stop the development of roots through mineral buildup. When the cutting forms a good root system and is transplanted into its own container, switch to tap or rain water. Over using distilled water causes mineral deficiencies in plants.

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