How to propagate plants in 3 easy ways
If you have a favourite plant (don’t worry, we won’t tell the others) that you either want to own more of or give one as a gift, why not try propagating it to create more? Plant propagation seems like it would be really complicated. But, actually it isn't! All you need is the right method and patience and you can have lots of new baby plants in no time.
In this guide we’ll walk you through some of the most popular plant propagation methods to try and which plants are the easiest ones to propagate.
What is plant propagation?
If you’re confused about what plant propagation actually is, essentially, it’s the process of growing new plants from an existing one. This process is typically done in spring or summer as that’s when plants are most active and in their growing phase so it’ll be much easier. Propagating plants is a great way of learning and understanding exactly how and when plants grow. And taking it up as a hobby helps the environment too so it’s a very rewarding project.
1. Propagate plants from leaf or stem cuttings
Taking a leaf or a stem cutting is usually the most obvious and most used method out there as it will create an exact clone of your plant. Leaf cuttings are a great way to propagate snake plants or succulents since they either don’t have stems or the stems are very small. Stem cuttings work well for most houseplants like the Swiss cheese plant or zz plant.
Find a pot and fill it with soil
First of all, you’ll want to make a nice home for your cutting to live while it roots. For stem cuttings, you’ll need a fairly deep pot but for leaf cuttings, a tray will work just as well. Fill the pot or tray with special rooting soil. You definitely don’t want to use just regular multipurpose soil for this or your cuttings won’t grow! Some plants may need the soil to have extra sand or perlite so it’s important to shop around and find the best one. You could also use a rooting hormone (found in most garden centres) to speed up the process a little.
Take the cuttings from the original plant
When your pots or trays have the right soil, it’s time to take the cuttings! For stems, take the cutting just a few centimetres below the node using a sharp pair of scissors. But make sure that it has some good nodes just above the cutting point too. Leaf cuttings will depend on the plant. For succulents, you’ll need to remove a whole, healthy leaf with your fingers all the way down to the stem. For some other plants, cutting just the top of the section of the leaf will work.
Place the cutting in the new soil
After you’ve taken the stem cutting, pop it in the soil right away, making sure it's in the soil far enough that it can hold the cutting up easily. Leaf cuttings from succulents will actually need to be left for about a week so it can develop a callus (where the end dries and hardens). Then, it can be placed in the soil.
Mist your stem cuttings regularly
Mist your stem cuttings and seal the pot so it can retain the moisture. If you have a leaf cutting, it can be left uncovered but make sure you place it somewhere warm. It’s important to remember that the soil will need to be misted regularly so it’s always kept moist. After a few months, you should start to see your new plants growing!
2. Propagating plants in water
Instead of putting their cuttings straight into the soil, some people like to place them in a glass of water first. Some plants actually prefer being propagated in water too as that’s how they originally evolved. Plants like the pothos or the philodendron came from an ancestor that lived in swamps, so you may have an easier time propagating them in water first.
This method is super simple and requires a lot less maintenance so is perfect for beginners. All you need to do is place your cutting in a jar of cool water, changing it weekly, and wait until you can see the white roots starting to grow. When they’re about half an inch long, which can take between 1-3 months, remove them from the water and plant them in fresh, potting soil. Make sure you don’t leave them in the water for any longer than that though, otherwise the roots won’t acclimate to the soil at all.
3. Plant offsets
If you’re lucky, your plant might make it even easier for you to propagate by growing miniature versions of itself. Plant offsets are usually short shoots that grow in clusters from the mother plant. Sometimes, these offsets might fall to the ground naturally, like a bird flying the nest, where they can root and grow and start a life of their own. But, other times they need a little help moving away from the mother plant.
To propagate an offset, cut the entire cluster off with a sharp, sterile knife and leave it in a cool, dry spot for a few days. Planting it immediately could be a shock to their system and cause bacteria or viruses. Once they’re used to being away from the mother plant, pop them in some fresh soil and mist them regularly to encourage healthy growth.
What are the easiest plants to propagate?
Some plants are definitely easier to propagate than others and don’t require you to be a gardening wizard to succeed in growing new plants. The easiest plants to propagate include:
-Spider plant
- Pothos
- Jade plant
- Philodendron
- English Ivy
- Monstera
- ZZ plant
- String of pearls
- Rubber plant
- Prayer plant
Take a look at our guide to indoor plant care to learn everything you need to know to keep your beautiful houseplants happy and thriving.
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