Propagation 101

Did you know you can keep your plant collection growing without spending a dime? We're here to break down the basics on propagating your plants!

Propagation 101

What is Propagation?

Propagation is the breeding of specimens of a plant or animal by natural processes from the parent stock. "The propagation of plants by root cuttings"

Time to cut

Types of Cuttings

Leaf, Stem, & Node

Cutting Types

Leaf Cuttings - This can be done by taking a cutting of a healthy leaf with a short piece of stem and putting the end of the leaf cutting in a rooting hormone. The new roots come from the veins of the leaf so to successfully propagate, you’ll want to cut the leaf in half rather than using the entire leaf as a whole. From here, the stalk can be put in a moist propagation medium.

Examples: Begonia, Peperomia, Sansevieria

Stem Cuttings - Use clean pruners or scissors and cut the base of the petiole but make sure to leave enough to place into the rooting medium without the leaf touching the surface. It’s optional but you can also use a rooting hormone. Once your plant has developed an adequate root system, you can repot into a bigger pot if needed. Be sure to avoid any damage to the new roots.

Examples: Ficus, Dracaena, Hoya

Node Cuttings - Use clean pruners or scissors and cut below the node. The node is located where the petiole meets the stem. It’s optional but you can also use a rooting hormone. Once your plant has developed an adequate root system, you can repot into a bigger pot if needed. Be sure to avoid any damage to the new roots.

Examples: Epipremnum, Monstera, Philodendron

Where To Cut

Water

Take your new cutting and place in a clean glass. Fill with enough water so that the node is submerged and change out the water every 1-2 weeks.Just like potted plants, you’ll want to be sure your cutting is placed in an area with bright indirect lighting.Once your roots reach approximately 3″-5″ it’s time to pot the cutting in soil

Soil

Take your new cutting and place it in a pot filled with soil. Place the cutting into the soil and tap the dirt down around the cuttings so that they’re firm in the pot. Make sure to water your cuttings and keep the soil moist. Additionally, it’s suggested to keep the plant in a hot, humid environment.

Sphagnum Moss

Take your new cutting and place in a pot with sphagnum moss just as if you were using potting soil. Sphagnum moss is great for retaining moisture and for air circulation. The downside is that the roots stay wet for longer periods of time, so when propagating with sphagnum moss it’s best to keep it outside or in a hotter environment so it can dry out a little quicker.