Houseplant Propagation 101: Multiply Your Collection the Easy Way

Ever wished you could grow more plants without spending a dime? Good news—you can! Propagating houseplants is an easy, rewarding way to expand your plant collection, share greenery with friends, and bring new life into your space. Whether you’re new to propagation or looking to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through the most effective methods. 

Why Propagate Your Houseplants?

Propagation isn’t just a fun DIY project—it’s also a sustainable and budget-friendly way to cultivate more greenery. It allows you to:

• Grow more plants from the ones you already own.

• Revive leggy or overgrown plants.

• Share plants with friends and family

• Experiment with different propagation methods to find what works best for your collection.

Three Simple Ways to Propagate Houseplants

1. Rooting stem cuttings in water (Perfect for Pothos, Philodendron, and Monsteras)

This method involves taking a healthy cutting from a mature plant and encouraging it to grow roots in a vessel of water.

How to do it:

1. Use clean, sharp scissors to cut a stem just below a node (the small bump where leaves and roots grow).

2. Remove any lower leaves if necessary.

3. Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring the node is submerged.

4. Keep it in a bright, warm spot. The node contains the genetic material to root.

5. Once roots are 2-3 inches long, transfer the cutting into soil.

2. Soil Propagtaion

Soil propagation is a simple propagation method that does not require later transplantation. 

How to do it:

1. Take a cutting just below a node.

2. Optional: seal the end with super glue or hot glue to avoid rot. 

3. Press the propagation into a small pot of soil.

4. Water well and place in a warm bright place. Maintain even soil moisture.

3. Propagation by Division (Great for Snake Plants, ZZ Plants and ferns.

Some plants naturally grow in clumps, making them ideal candidates for division propagation.

How to do it:

1. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil.

2. Identify natural separations in the root system.

3. Use clean hands or a sharp knife to divide the plant into smaller sections.

4. Replant each section into fresh soil and water thoroughly.

Propagation Pro Tips

• Use a rooting hormone for faster root development (especially for slower-rooting plants). Some folks swear by cinnamon as a nature root booster. Cinnamon also inhibits the growth of bacteria.

• Be patient—some cuttings root quickly, while others take a few weeks.

• Keep propagated plants in humid, warm conditions for best results.

• Avoid direct sunlight, as new cuttings are more delicate.

Ready to Get Started? 

We want you to experiment with plants and get your hands dirty! Stop by to chat about your plant plans, we are always here to help. Keep an eye out for upcoming community events and workshops for hands-on instruction as well. 

Happy planting!