There's something deeply satisfying about turning one plant into two (or, ten!)
Propagation is one of the most rewarding parts of being a plant parent, and the good news is that it's far easier than most people think.
Here are five tried-and-tested ways to propagate your houseplants, along with which plants suit each method best.
Water Propagation
Water propagation is by far the most popular method out there, and for good reason. It's simple, visual, and incredibly beginner-friendly.
How to do it: Take a cutting just below a node (that small bump on the stem where leaves and roots emerge). Remove any lower leaves that would sit below the waterline, pop the cutting into a jar of fresh water, and place it somewhere with bright, indirect light. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated. Within a couple of weeks, you should start to see roots forming. Once the roots are a few centimetres long, you can pot the cutting into soil.
Best for: Pothos. Pothos is the undisputed champion of water propagation. Its stems root quickly and reliably in water, making it the perfect plant to start with if you're new to propagation.
Division
Division is exactly what it sounds like. You're separating one plant into two or more smaller plants by gently pulling apart the root system. This method works best with plants that grow in clumps and naturally produce multiple stems or crowns from a shared root ball.
How to do it: Water your plant thoroughly a day before you plan to divide it. Gently remove it from its pot and shake off excess soil so you can see the root structure clearly. Look for natural separation points where individual stems or clusters have their own set of roots. Carefully tease these apart with your fingers, using a clean knife to cut through any stubborn sections if needed. Pot each division into fresh soil in its own container and water well. Keep the new plants in a warm, humid spot out of direct sunlight for a week or two while they settle in.
Best for: Calathea. Calatheas grow from a clumping root system, producing new stems and leaves from the base of the plant over time. Division is by far the most effective way to propagate them, since stem cuttings simply won't work with this species. Wait until your Calathea has grown large enough to have clear, separate clusters before dividing. Spring is the ideal time to do it, as the plant is entering its active growing season and will recover more quickly.
Pups and Offsets
Some plants do the hard work for you by producing small baby plants that grow directly from the mother plant. These are known as 'pups' and are already developing their own root systems, which means they're primed and ready to become independent plants with very little effort on your part.
How to do it: Wait until the pup is a decent size. We suggest roughly a third of the mother plant is a good rule of thumb. If the pup has developed its own roots, you can gently separate it by hand or snip it away with clean scissors. Pot it into a small container with fresh, well-draining soil and keep the soil lightly moist as it establishes itself. If the pup doesn't have roots yet, you can place it on top of damp soil and it will usually root on its own within a few weeks.
Best for: Spider Plants and Pilea. Spider Plants are famous for producing long, arching stems lined with baby plantlets. These little pups can be snipped off and potted up at any time.
Stem Cuttings in Soil
If you'd rather skip the water stage altogether, you can root stem cuttings directly in soil. This method is straightforward and avoids the transition shock that sometimes happens when moving water-rooted cuttings into moist soil.
How to do it: Take a healthy stem cutting just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone if you have it (this step is optional but can speed things up). Insert the cutting into a pot of moist, well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or a propagation dome can help maintain humidity while the roots develop. You'll know it's worked when you feel gentle resistance if you give the cutting a very light tug after a few weeks.
Best for: Monstera, Philodendron, and Tradescantia. These tropical species root readily in soil and tend to establish themselves faster when they skip the water stage entirely. Tradescantia in particular roots so quickly in soil that you'll often see new growth within days.
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings are a slightly more unusual method, but for the right plants, they work like magic. Instead of cutting a stem, you're using a single leaf (sometimes with a small piece of stem attached) to grow an entirely new plant.
How to do it: Cut a healthy, mature leaf from the plant using a clean blade. Depending on the species, you may need a small section of stem or petiole attached. Place the leaf on top of or slightly into moist soil, ensuring good contact between the cut end and the growing medium. Keep the soil damp and the humidity high. We would suggest a covered propagation tray for retaining moisture. Over time, tiny new plantlets will emerge from the base of the leaf.
Best for: Begonia and Succulents. Begonia rex leaves can be laid flat on soil with small cuts made across the veins and new plants will sprout from each cut. Many succulents, such as Echeveria, can be propagated simply by placing a fallen leaf on top of dry soil and misting occasionally. It takes patience, but highly worth the wait!
Our Top Tips for Propagation
Whichever method you choose, timing matters. Spring and early summer are the best seasons to propagate, as most houseplants are in their active growth phase and will root more quickly. Always use clean, sharp tools to reduce the risk of infection, and don't be discouraged if not every cutting takes. The more you practice, the better your instincts will become.
Happy propagating!
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