29 Easy Plants to Propagate from Cuttings

Propagating houseplants through cuttings can be enjoyable and budget-friendly way to expand your indoor jungle.

As most gardeners knew, growing plants from cuttings involves taking a small part of an healthy plant, such as a stem, leaf, or root, and encouraging it to develop into a new plant.

Even a gardener with minimal experience can start growing rare varieties of plants at different spots in your home.

Along with right propagation technique, your plant needs proper care to thrive. So, it’s essential that you check the growing requirements of a plant.

Best Time to Propagate Plants

The ideal time to propagate plants largely depends on the specific plant species, but generally, spring and early summer are the best seasons.

During these warmer months, most plants are in their active growing phase, making them more responsive to the propagation process. Cuttings taken at this time will root faster, and the plants will have a better chance of thriving.

That being said, certain plants can be propagated at different times of the year. The key is to choose a time when the plant is healthy, well-watered, and actively growing.

Avoid propagating during the colder months when plants tend to slow down their growth. In winter, many indoor plants enter a dormant phase, and cuttings may take longer to root.

29 Easy Plants to Propagate from Cuttings

Here are 29 plants that are known for being easy to propagate from cuttings, with simple methods to follow. From common houseplants to unique varieties, this list covers a wide range of options.

1. Pothos

Growing Conditions: Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light conditions. It prefers well-drained soil that is kept slightly moist but not waterlogged.

Propagation Method: To propagate Pothos, simply cut a 4-6 inch stem with at least 2-3 leaves. Place the cutting in water, making sure the nodes (where the leaves sprout) are submerged. Change the water every few days. Once roots appear, transfer the cutting to soil.

2. Spider Plant

Growing Conditions: Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light and average room temperatures. They need well-drained, slightly acidic soil and should be watered regularly without letting the soil become soggy.

Propagation Method: Take a baby spider plant or a small offshoot from the main plant. Gently separate the baby plant and place it in water or directly into a small pot with soil. It will begin to root within a few weeks.

3. English Ivy

Growing Conditions: Ivy thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to low-light conditions as well. It prefers cooler temperatures and slightly moist, well-draining soil.

Propagation Method: Snip a 4-6 inch cutting with several leaves, making sure to cut just below a node. Place the cutting in a glass of water, and once roots develop, pot it in soil.

4. Succulents

Growing Conditions: Most succulents require plenty of direct sunlight and well-draining, sandy soil. They are drought-tolerant and prefer to dry out between waterings.

Propagation Method: To propagate, simply cut a healthy leaf or stem and let it callous over for a few days. Once the cut is healed, place it on dry, well-draining soil. Mist lightly to encourage root growth.

5. Begonias

Growing Conditions: Begonias thrive in bright, indirect light and enjoy moderate humidity. They prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy leaf with a small section of stem, making sure it has a few veins. Place the leaf flat on moist soil or in water to allow it to root. After roots form, transplant into soil.

6. African Violet

Growing Conditions: African violets prefer bright, indirect light and moderate humidity. They thrive in a slightly acidic, well-draining potting mix.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy leaf with a small portion of stem. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone and place it in a moist potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag to retain moisture and allow the cutting to root.

7. Coleus

Growing Conditions: Coleus grows best in bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil. It thrives in warm temperatures and high humidity.

Propagation Method: Cut a 4-6 inch stem just below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves and place the cutting in water. Once roots have developed, transfer to soil.

8. Geranium

Growing Conditions: Geraniums prefer full sunlight and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. They need regular watering but should not be overwatered.

Propagation Method: Take a healthy cutting, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, keeping it moist but not soggy until roots form.

9. Snake Plant

Growing Conditions: Snake plants prefer indirect light and can tolerate low light. They need well-draining, sandy soil and should be watered sparingly.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy leaf into sections (each 3-4 inches long). Allow the cuttings to dry for a day, then plant them in soil, standing them upright. Water sparingly until roots form.

10. Tradescantia (Spiderwort)

Growing Conditions: Tradescantia prefers bright, indirect light and moderately moist, well-draining soil. It thrives in warm temperatures and humid conditions.

Propagation Method: Snip a 4-6 inch stem with several leaves, and place it in a glass of water. Change the water regularly until roots appear, then transfer to soil.

11. Jade Plant

Growing Conditions: Jade plants require bright, indirect light and well-draining, gritty soil. They are drought-tolerant, so allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy stem and let the cutting dry for 2-3 days. Once calloused, place it in a small pot with well-draining soil. Water sparingly until roots form.

12. ZZ Plant

Growing Conditions: ZZ plants prefer low to bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They are drought-tolerant, so allow the soil to dry between waterings.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy stem, allowing the cutting to air-dry for a couple of days. Place the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil and water sparingly. Roots will form within a few weeks.

13. Philodendron

Growing Conditions: Philodendrons thrive in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light. They prefer well-drained soil and moderate moisture.

Propagation Method: Cut a 4-6 inch stem below a node and place it in water. After roots appear, transfer the cutting to soil.

14. Basil

Growing Conditions: Basil prefers full sunlight and well-draining, slightly moist soil. It thrives in warm temperatures and moderate humidity.

Propagation Method: Take a 4-6 inch cutting and place it in a glass of water. Change the water regularly, and after roots appear, transplant the cutting into soil.

15. Mint

Growing Conditions: Mint requires full sunlight to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It can grow vigorously, so regular pruning is necessary.

Propagation Method: Snip a healthy stem from the plant and place it in water. Change the water often, and once roots develop, transfer the cutting to a pot with moist soil.

16. Aloe Vera

Growing Conditions: Aloe vera needs bright, indirect sunlight and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant and should only be watered when the soil is completely dry.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy leaf, let it callous for a few days, and then plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Water sparingly until the cutting roots.

17. Weeping Fig

Growing Conditions: Ficus plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They thrive in warm, humid conditions and should be watered when the soil feels dry.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy stem with a few leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and place it in a moist potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist until the cutting roots.

18. Wandering Jew

Growing Conditions: This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and moderately moist, well-draining soil. It enjoys warmer temperatures and humid conditions.

Propagation Method: Cut a 4-6 inch stem and place it in water, ensuring the nodes are submerged. Once roots form, transplant the cutting to a pot with moist soil.

19. Chives

Growing Conditions: Chives thrive in full sun and well-draining, slightly alkaline soil. They need regular watering but should not be overwatered.

Propagation Method: Cut a 4-6 inch stem and place it in water. Change the water regularly, and after roots form, transplant it into soil for continued growth.

20. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Growing Conditions: Bamboo prefers bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil. It can tolerate a variety of temperatures and humidity levels.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy stem and place it in a container of water. Change the water regularly until roots form, then transfer it to soil for continued growth.

21. Lemon Balm

Growing Conditions: Lemon balm prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. It thrives in moderate humidity and mild temperatures.

Propagation Method: Snip a healthy stem, and place it in water. Change the water every few days, and once roots develop, pot the cutting in soil.

22. Ivory Palm

Growing Conditions: The ivory palm does well in indirect light and prefers slightly moist, well-draining soil. It thrives in humid conditions and moderate temperatures.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy stem and place the cutting in a pot with moist soil. Keep the soil humid until roots form.

23. Zebra Plant

Growing Conditions: Zebra plants prefer bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil. They enjoy humidity and should be kept in warm temperatures.

Propagation Method: Snip a 4-6 inch cutting just below a node. Place the cutting in water until roots develop, then transplant it into soil.

24. Cactus

Growing Conditions: Cacti require full sun and well-draining soil. They are drought-tolerant and need minimal water, preferring to dry out completely between waterings.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy pad or stem, let it dry for a few days, and then plant it in a pot with well-draining soil. Water sparingly until roots appear.

25. Maranta Leuconeura

Growing Conditions: Marantas prefer bright, indirect light and moderately moist, well-draining soil. They also enjoy higher humidity levels.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy stem with leaves, and place it in a glass of water. Change the water regularly until roots form, then transfer it to a pot with moist soil.

26. Fuchsia

Growing Conditions: Fuchsias thrive in bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They prefer slightly cooler temperatures and moderate humidity.

Propagation Method: Snip a healthy 4-6 inch cutting with a few leaves and place it in water. Once roots develop, pot it in well-draining soil.

27. Impatiens

Growing Conditions: Impatiens prefer partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. They thrive in warm, humid environments and need regular watering.

Propagation Method: Cut a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in water. Once roots develop, transplant it to a pot with moist soil.

28. Lobelia

Growing Conditions: Lobelias thrive in bright, indirect light and moist, well-draining soil. They prefer cooler temperatures and moderate humidity.

Propagation Method: Snip a stem, place it in water until roots form, and then transplant it into a pot with moist soil.

29. Tropical Hibiscus

Growing Conditions: Hibiscus plants prefer full sunlight and well-draining, slightly acidic soil. They enjoy warm temperatures and moderate humidity.

Propagation Method: Snip a healthy stem with a few leaves, dip it in rooting hormone, and place it in a pot with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and humid until roots form.

How to Care for Plants After Propagation?

After your plant cuttings have successfully rooted and begun to grow, it’s important to give them the right care to ensure their continued health.

First, ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not overly soggy. Newly rooted plants are still vulnerable to dehydration, so don’t let the soil dry out too quickly.

Additionally, provide your newly propagated plants with bright, indirect light. While they will need time to adjust to their new pots, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

Keep an eye on the growth of your plants, and don’t be afraid to repot them into larger containers as they outgrow their initial pots.

Conclusion

Plant propagation through cuttings is a rewarding and cost-effective way to expand your plant collection.

With the right knowledge and a little patience, you can propagate a wide variety of plants, from low-maintenance succulents to more challenging tropical varieties.

Remember to start with healthy cuttings, use the right propagation techniques, and give your new plants the care they need to thrive.