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Propagating means growing a new plant from part of an existing one. Propagating plants is a simple and rewarding way to grow your collection and share plants with others. Different plants can be propagated in different ways, depending on how they naturally grow.
See below for a brief overview of the four most common methods: stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, pups/offsets and division. At the bottom of the page you will find a full guide for propagation using stem cuttings in water.
🌿Stem Cuttings 🌿
🌿Stem Cuttings 🌿
Probably the easiest method for most people. Simply take a stem cutting and place it in water. Make sure you change the water regularly and roots will eventually appear. Many people recommend waiting until the cutting has 'roots on the roots' (secondary roots) before potting it up. Examples include: pothos, Tradescantia, roses or coleus. See below for a full guide.
🍃Leaf Cuttings🍃
🍃Leaf Cuttings🍃
Other plants can be propagated by cutting off a leaf and growing it in soil/perlite. Examples include: African violets, Streptocarpus, begonias and snake plants
🌱Pups/offsets 🌱
🌱Pups/offsets 🌱
Some plants are propagated by removing offsets or pups that grow next to the parent plant. This is a good method as the plants often already have roots. Examples include: Aloe, mother of thousands, bromeliads, spider plants, amaryllis or bananas.
🪴Division🪴
🪴Division🪴
Plants can be propagated by simply dividing them as they get larger. Examples include hostas, peace lilies and grasses.
For a list of common plants and how to create cuttings from them click the link here:
PROPAGATING STEM CUTTINGS IN WATER
PROPAGATING STEM CUTTINGS IN WATER
Propagating means growing a new plant from part of an existing one. You can do this in many ways but most plants can be propagated by taking stem cuttings and putting them in water or soil.
Step 1 – Find the Node
Step 1 – Find the Node
A node is the point where a leaves or new shoots emerge rom the stem. You will need at least one node, this is important!
Step 2 – Take the cutting
Step 2 – Take the cutting
- Choose a healthy stem without pests or disease
- Cut approximately 1 cm below a node. Aim for a cutting around 8–15 cm long.
- Remove any leaves that would sit below water or compost but keep the two or three leaves on the top. Very large leaves can be reduced in size to limit water loss.
Step 3 - Water Propagation (best method for beginners.)
Step 3 - Water Propagation (best method for beginners.)
- Place the node under the water and keep the leaves above it
- Position it in bright, warm place with indirect light. Avoid harsh sunlight.
- Replace the water every 5–7 days. Top if up if it gets low.
- Wait for several roots to develop, this can take several weeks.
- Pot using soil into a small pot only slightly larger than the root system. Try to use the right soil mix for the plant.
Additional Notes
Additional Notes
- Instead of water you can also insert the cutting directly into compost. Plants that root in water will also usually root in soil.
- Water roots are adapted to water, so keep the compost slightly moist during the first couple of weeks after potting.
- Warmth and humidity helps but excessive heat can cause rot. Many people use a plastic bag, propagation tray with a lid or a plastic dome to keep the humidity up while the plant is establishing.
- Label your cuttings with the plant name and the date they were taken. This makes it much easier to monitor progress and share them accurately.
There are lots more ways to propagate plants of course, you can propagate from leaves, pups/offsets, air layering, grafting or simple division. But this depends on the plant. You can look up individual plants here
- If you have plants and you're not sure how to propagate them then please post in our Facebook group for help and assistance. Or if you're skilled at propagation please feel free to share your tips with the group.
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