Growing plants from cuttings is one of the most rewarding and cost-effective methods to propagate your favorite plants. Not only does it allow you to expand your indoor garden, but it also helps preserve the genetic traits of your existing plants. Whether you’re looking to multiply your houseplants or start a new garden, learning how to grow plants from cuttings can be a valuable skill for any plant lover.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about propagating plants from cuttings, including the best types of plants to propagate, how to take proper cuttings, and how to care for them until they grow into healthy, mature plants.
1. Understanding Plant Cuttings and Their Types
A cutting is a portion of a plant that’s removed and used to grow a new plant. The cutting typically includes a stem or leaf, and, in some cases, a root or a part of a root. There are different types of cuttings that can be taken from plants, each suited to different species. The most common types include:
- Stem Cuttings: A stem cutting is the most common type of cutting taken for propagation. It involves removing a portion of the plant’s stem, typically with at least one node (a small bump on the stem from which leaves or roots grow).
- Leaf Cuttings: Some plants, like succulents or certain houseplants (e.g., begonias), can be propagated by cutting just a leaf from the plant.
- Root Cuttings: Some plants, especially perennials like raspberries or horseradish, can be propagated by cutting a piece of the root.
- Leaf Petiole Cuttings: These are common with plants like African violets, where a leaf and its petiole (the small stem that attaches the leaf to the main plant) are used for propagation.
Each cutting type requires slightly different care and techniques, but the general process is the same.
2. Choosing the Right Plants for Propagation
Not all plants are suitable for propagation through cuttings, but many popular indoor plants are relatively easy to propagate. Here’s a list of some of the best plants to propagate from cuttings:
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): One of the easiest plants to propagate, pothos can be grown in water or soil from stem cuttings.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Known for its ability to produce “babies” or offshoots, spider plants are great for beginners.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): This hardy plant can be propagated by cutting a leaf into sections and placing them in soil.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix): Ivy is an excellent candidate for stem cuttings and can quickly grow roots in water or soil.
- Coleus: A colorful, fast-growing plant that thrives from stem cuttings and can be easily propagated in water.
- Succulents (Various species): Many succulents, like jade plants or echeveria, can be propagated by taking a healthy leaf and letting it dry out before planting it in soil.
- Geraniums: Geraniums root easily from cuttings and are perfect for creating new plants from a parent plant.
3. How to Take the Perfect Cutting
Taking a good cutting is critical to the success of your propagation efforts. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to take the perfect cutting:
Step 1: Select the Right Plant
Choose a healthy, well-established plant to take cuttings from. Avoid plants that are stressed, diseased, or too young. Look for a stem or leaf that is mature but not woody or too old.
Step 2: Gather Tools
You’ll need a few tools to get started:
- Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears: This will ensure a clean cut and prevent damage to the plant.
- Rooting hormone (optional): While not always necessary, rooting hormone can encourage faster root growth for some species.
- Small containers or jars: For rooting your cuttings in water, or small pots with well-draining soil for planting cuttings directly.
Step 3: Make the Cut
- For stem cuttings, snip the stem just below a node (the area where leaves emerge). Cut at a 45-degree angle to increase the surface area for rooting.
- For leaf cuttings, snip a healthy leaf from the plant with a clean cut at the base of the petiole (or directly at the leaf if it’s a single leaf plant).
- For root cuttings, use a sharp knife to remove a section of the root.
Step 4: Remove Extra Leaves or Petioles
Trim away any excess leaves or side shoots from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top. This helps the cutting direct its energy into growing roots rather than supporting leaves.
4. Rooting the Cuttings: Water vs. Soil
Once you’ve taken your cutting, you can choose to root it in water or directly in soil. Both methods are effective, but some plants may prefer one over the other.
Rooting in Water
Rooting cuttings in water is a simple and satisfying method. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the cutting in a container of water, ensuring that only the bottom part of the cutting is submerged. Avoid submerging the leaves, as they can rot.
- Place the container in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, avoiding direct sunlight, which could overheat the water or the cutting.
- Change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
- After a few weeks, you should start to see roots emerging from the node. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transplant the cutting into soil.
Rooting in Soil
Rooting in soil is often more ideal for plants that prefer a stable medium. Here’s how to root in soil:
- Fill a small pot with well-draining potting mix. You can use a mix designed for cuttings or add some perlite to increase drainage.
- Insert the cutting into the soil, burying the bottom node about 1–2 inches deep. Firm the soil around the cutting to ensure good contact.
- Water the cutting gently to settle the soil and keep it moist, but not soggy.
- Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or plastic dome to create a humid environment. This will help retain moisture and encourage root development.
- Place the pot in a bright, indirect light spot. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can overheat the cutting.
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not wet. Roots should begin to form in about 2–4 weeks.
5. Caring for Your Cuttings
Once your cuttings have rooted, it’s important to continue providing them with proper care to encourage healthy growth. Here’s what you need to do:
- Provide Adequate Light: Keep your new plants in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight may stress the young plants and cause them to dry out.
- Watering: Water the cuttings regularly, but make sure the soil drains well and isn’t soggy. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Acclimatization: Gradually expose the cutting to the conditions it will face in the long term. After a few weeks of growth, you can start transplanting your cuttings into larger pots or directly into your garden if the weather allows.
6. Transplanting Cuttings Into Larger Pots
When the cuttings have developed a robust root system, they are ready to be transplanted into a larger pot. Use a well-draining potting mix suitable for the plant type, and ensure that the new pot has proper drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating at the bottom.
7. Common Issues with Propagating Cuttings
While propagating from cuttings is a relatively easy process, there are a few common problems that may arise:
- Rotting: If your cutting is in overly wet conditions, it can rot. Make sure you don’t leave cuttings in water for too long or overwater them in soil.
- Lack of Roots: Not all cuttings will root. If you’re not seeing any root growth after several weeks, try using a rooting hormone or check that the cutting has been kept at the right temperature and humidity levels.
- Leggy Growth: If your cutting isn’t receiving enough light, it may start to grow “leggy,” with long spaces between leaves. Make sure it’s placed in a location with adequate, indirect light.
Conclusion
Growing plants from cuttings is a simple yet rewarding way to expand your plant collection. By following these steps, you can successfully propagate a wide variety of plants, ensuring a steady supply of new growth for your indoor garden. Whether you’re growing plants for your home or simply want to share the joy of gardening with friends and family, propagating plants from cuttings is a fulfilling and sustainable practice. Happy propagating!