BEHIND THE DESIGN

Plant Propagation

How to propagate your plants

Propagation, put simply, is the process of creating a new plant from a larger one. In more fun terms, it can make you feel like a junior botanist, snipping off cuttings, placing them in water, and watching as their roots grow over the coming weeks.

If you’ve ever wondered exactly how to propagate your houseplants, continue reading.

Cut Plant Node

To propagate a new plant in water, you’ll need a cutting of the original plant. Check the stems for nodes — little knob-like structures where the plant can grow new roots — and cut just below one with clean, sharp shears. You want your cutting to have a few leaves, too.

Try it with: pothos, monstera, or philodendron.

Place In Water

Place the cutting in a clean glass filled with enough water to cover the nodes. Place your cutting in a place with plenty of indirect light and watch as roots begin to form. Change the water out every few days (or when it starts to look cloudy). When your roots are between three and five inches long, it’s time to pot your new plant in soil.

Transfer to Soil

Once the roots are 3 to 5 inches long, choose a small pot with drainage and fill it with well-draining potting mix. Make a hole, place the roots inside, and cover the nodes with soil, keeping the leaves above the surface. Water thoroughly and place the pot in bright, indirect light, watering only when the top inch of soil is dry. Your new plant will soon take root and thrive.

Create and Share with Plant Propagation

The next time you see a cute planter at the store but don’t have a plant to put it in, consider propagating your own once you get home. It’s the perfect way to grow your own collection, or to gift a piece of your favorite plant to a friend.