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How to Propagate Houseplants from Cuttings

Tap each step to work through how to propagate a houseplant from a cutting.

  1. Cut a stem that includes a node

    New roots form near a stem's node (where a leaf was attached), so use clean scissors or a knife to cut a section that includes at least one or two nodes. A cutting with no node usually won't root at all.

  2. Water propagation

    Remove the lower leaves so the node is submerged, then place the cutting in a glass or jar of water. White roots typically start appearing at the node within days to a few weeks. Change the water every 2-3 days so it doesn't get murky.

  3. Soil propagation

    Dip the node lightly in rooting hormone (powder or gel), then plant it directly in moist potting mix and keep the humidity up. Roots adapt to soil conditions immediately with this method, though you can't watch the rooting progress the way you can in water.

  4. Know when to move a water cutting into soil

    If you're propagating in water, moving the cutting into soil once roots reach about 1-2 inches (3-5 cm) long is about right. Moving it too early can mean the roots struggle to adjust, while leaving it in water too long can also cause stress when it's finally transplanted.

  5. Plants that propagate especially well from cuttings

    Pothos, monstera, and peperomia are classic examples, and many herbs like basil and mint also root readily from a node, making them great candidates for cutting propagation.

  6. Aftercare tips for new cuttings

    Newly propagated plants have fragile roots, so keep them in bright, indirect light out of direct sun, and check the soil a bit more often than usual to make sure it doesn't dry out before the roots are fully established.

Propagation: growing your plant collection for free

Instead of buying a new pot, you can turn a single stem from a plant you already own into a whole new plant β€” it's one of the most cost-effective ways to give plants as gifts or fill out more corners of your home.

Herbs are easy propagation candidates too

If you grow herbs like basil or mint, they root from cuttings just as readily as many common houseplants, so it's worth trying the same water or soil propagation method on your kitchen herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

My water-propagated cutting hasn't grown roots in weeks β€” what's wrong?

Water left too long without changing, or too little light, can both slow rooting. Try changing the water more often and moving the cutting somewhere with brighter indirect light.

Can every plant be propagated this way?

No β€” some plants, like snake plant, propagate better from a leaf cutting, while others barely root from a stem cutting at all, so it's worth checking the best method for your specific plant beforehand.