Plant Propagation: Multiply Your Collection for Free
Why buy new plants when you can make them? Propagation is surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying. Here's how to turn one plant into many.
Propagation Methods
Stem Cuttings
EasyCut a section of stem with leaves and root it in water or soil. The most popular propagation method.
Best for: Pothos, Philodendron, Monstera, Tradescantia, Ivy
Success rate: High
Step-by-Step
- 1 Cut 4-6 inches below a node (where leaves attach)
- 2 Remove lower leaves, keeping 2-3 at top
- 3 Optional: Dip in rooting hormone
- 4 Place in water or moist soil
- 5 Keep warm with bright indirect light
- 6 Roots appear in 2-4 weeks
Water Propagation
EasyRoot cuttings in water before planting. You can watch roots develop!
Best for: Pothos, Philodendron, Monstera, Lucky Bamboo, Coleus
Success rate: High
Step-by-Step
- 1 Take stem cutting as described above
- 2 Place in jar of room-temperature water
- 3 Ensure nodes are submerged, leaves above water
- 4 Change water weekly to prevent bacteria
- 5 Wait for roots 1-2 inches long
- 6 Transplant to soil carefully
Division
EasySeparate a plant into multiple smaller plants. Works for clumping plants.
Best for: Snake Plant, Peace Lily, Spider Plant, Ferns, ZZ Plant
Success rate: Very High
Step-by-Step
- 1 Remove plant from pot
- 2 Gently separate root ball into sections
- 3 Each section needs roots and leaves
- 4 Use clean knife for stubborn roots
- 5 Pot each division separately
- 6 Water lightly and keep in indirect light
Leaf Cuttings
ModerateGrow new plants from individual leaves. Specific to certain plants.
Best for: Succulents, Snake Plant, Begonia, African Violet, Peperomia
Success rate: Moderate
Step-by-Step
- 1 Remove healthy leaf at base
- 2 Let succulent leaves callus for 1-2 days
- 3 Lay on or insert into moist soil
- 4 Keep in bright indirect light
- 5 Mist occasionally, don't overwater
- 6 New plants emerge in 4-8 weeks
Air Layering
AdvancedRoot a stem while still attached to parent plant. For woody or difficult plants.
Best for: Fiddle Leaf Fig, Rubber Plant, Monstera, Dracaena
Success rate: High (once learned)
Step-by-Step
- 1 Make a small cut in stem, remove bark ring
- 2 Apply rooting hormone to wound
- 3 Wrap with moist sphagnum moss
- 4 Cover with plastic wrap, secure both ends
- 5 Wait 4-8 weeks for roots to develop
- 6 Cut below roots and pot up
Offsets/Pups
EasySeparate baby plants that grow from the parent. Nature does the work!
Best for: Spider Plant, Aloe, Haworthia, Bromeliads, some Succulents
Success rate: Very High
Step-by-Step
- 1 Wait until offset has its own roots
- 2 Gently separate from parent
- 3 Use clean knife if connected below soil
- 4 Pot in appropriate soil mix
- 5 Water lightly
- 6 Treat as established plant
Best Time to Propagate
Spring
BestActive growth period, fastest rooting
Summer
GoodStill growing, may need more moisture
Fall
OKSlowing growth, roots develop slower
Winter
Not IdealDormant period, low success rate
Tips for Success
Use clean tools
Sterilize scissors or knives with rubbing alcohol to prevent infection.
Take multiple cuttings
Not every cutting succeeds. Take several to ensure some will root.
Rooting hormone helps
Optional but increases success rate, especially for woody stems.
Patience is key
Rooting takes weeks. Resist the urge to check roots too often.
Keep humidity high
Cuttings lack roots to absorb water. High humidity reduces stress.
Avoid direct sun
Bright indirect light is best. Direct sun can stress unrooted cuttings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for cuttings to root?
Most cuttings root in 2-4 weeks, though some plants take longer. Water propagation often shows roots faster than soil. Temperature, humidity, and plant type all affect rooting time. Be patient—some cuttings can take 6-8 weeks.
Should I propagate in water or soil?
Both work! Water propagation lets you see root development but roots grown in water are different from soil roots and may need adjustment when planted. Soil propagation creates soil-adapted roots from the start but you can't see progress. Choose based on preference.
Why did my cutting rot instead of root?
Common causes: too much water, water that wasn't changed, no drainage, cutting taken from unhealthy plant, or bacterial contamination. Use clean tools, change water weekly, and don't bury cuttings too deep in soil. Let succulent cuttings callus before planting.
Can all plants be propagated from cuttings?
Most houseplants can be propagated, but methods vary. Some only grow from division (ZZ Plant, Peace Lily). Some need leaf cuttings (succulents, African Violet). A few are very difficult and better purchased. Research your specific plant.
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