How do I grow a potatoe plant in a glass of water?
Question:I tried to just cut a piece of potatoe with the "eye" exposed and put that end in the water. I first stuck toothpicks into the sides of the potatoe so that it would not sink into the water. The poor potatoe is rotting. Any suggestions?
Answers:
Some potatoes are dusted with a chemical to make sure they don't sprout in the store. This might be the root (ahem) of your difficulty. Also, while the potato will appear to be rotting, the potato-growing process will require it pass through that stage while it uses those nutrients to grow roots and leaves. I would let it go a little longer, but if you don't see hair-like rootlets and sprouts in a few days of letting it sit in the kitchen window, I'd just throw it out and get another chunk of potato, as it's not an expensive process. Oh--and you'll want the "eye" to sprout upward, not in the water.
It's always worked for me. It seems that you're doing the right thing. Are you setting it next to the window to get adequate sunlight?
I have always cut the potato in half and put the cut side down in the glass then filled the glass with water. Works every time...however, you do have to transplant it after awhile otherwise it gets really gross in the glass.
Stick toothpicks in the side of the potato so it sits halfway down the glass, with about 1/3 to 1/2 of the potato immersed in water.
Sit in the window seal, and add water when it gets low.
Try it with againg with another potato. Something could have been wrong with that one from beginning. Also keep water level about same and clean glass once a week. If this doesn't work, try a sweet potato. For some reason they seem to work better. Have fun with it!!
More Related Questions & Answers...