Propagating plants lets you grow new plants from existing ones—a rewarding way to expand your indoor garden and preserve your favorite varieties.
The science behind successful propagation comes down to totipotency: a plant cell’s innate ability to develop into a full new plant when given the right conditions. This means cells from stems, leaves, or roots can generate both roots and shoots, forming an entirely new plant!
When to Propagate Indoor Plants
The best time to propagate houseplants is during the active growing season—usually Spring through early Fall. During this time, plants have more energy from increased light for faster root and new growth, higher humidity, and warmer temps encourage quick rooting, preventing rot.
To Root in Soil or Water?
Indoor plant cuttings can be rooted either directly in soil or in water, and each method has its own benefits. The best choice often comes down to your care style and preference.
- Rooting cuttings in soil helps the plant transition seamlessly into its permanent growing medium, minimizing transplant shock later on. However, soil-grown cuttings require consistent moisture—if the soil dries out, young cuttings can struggle before roots are established.
- Water propagation, on the other hand, is a popular and rewarding option because it allows you to watch roots develop in real time. The tradeoff is that once those roots form, the cutting must still be transferred to soil. This extra step can stress delicate young roots if not handled gently.
Both methods can be successful, so choose the one that best fits how closely you’re able to monitor and care for your cuttings during the rooting process.
Common Indoor Plant Propagation Methods
Different houseplants propagate best using different methods. Below are the most common techniques and the types of plants that respond well to each.
1. Offsets (Pups)
Offsets are young offshoots that emerge from the base of a mature plant. When they’ve established their own roots, they can be gently removed using a clean, sharp knife and planted in fresh soil to grow on their own.
Examples: Aloe Vera, Bromeliads, Cacti (clumping types), Pilea peperomioides, Snake Plant, Spider Plant, many succulents, ZZ Plant
2. Plantlets
Plantlets form along stems or at nodes as miniature versions of the parent plant. Once large enough to handle, they can be removed and rooted in soil or water.
Examples: Pothos, Philodendron, Monstera, Syngonium, Tradescantia
3. Stem or Cane Cuttings
Take a 2–3 inch cutting that includes at least one node (the point where roots and new growth emerge). Allow cuttings to dry briefly if the plant is succulent or semi-succulent, then root in water or soil with the cutting oriented in its original growing direction.
Examples: Aglaonema, Begonia, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, Ficus, Hoya, Jade Plant, Monstera, Philodendron, Pothos, Tradescantia, ZZ Plant
4. Leaf Cuttings
Remove a whole leaf (or a section, depending on the plant) and insert it into soil with the cut edge down, keeping most of the leaf above the surface. Warm temperatures and consistently moist soil encourage root and shoot development.
Examples: African Violet, Begonia, Echeveria, Jade Plant, Peperomia, Snake Plant, Succulents, ZZ Plant
5. Layering (Including Air Layering)
Layering encourages roots to form on a stem while it remains attached to the parent plant. For simple layering, pin a section of stem—making sure a node is just below the soil surface—into a nearby pot using a paperclip or hairpin. Once roots form, the new plant can be cut free.
Air layering uses the same concept but allows roots to form above the soil line, making it especially useful for woody or cane-type houseplants.
Examples: Aglaonema, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, Ficus, Philodendron, Pothos
6. Division
Division involves separating a mature, clumping plant at the root ball into multiple plants. This method is ideal for plants that naturally fill their containers over time. For indoor plants, divisions are best done by hand or with a clean, sharp knife. Re-pot divisions immediately and keep them evenly watered as they reestablish.
Examples: Aglaonema, Alocasia, Bird’s Nest Fern, Boston Fern, Calathea, Cast Iron Plant, Peace Lily, Peperomia, Syngonium, Spider Plant
Helpful Tips & Tools for Propagation Success
To give your cuttings the best start, a few simple tools and conditions can make a big difference in propagation success:
- High-quality soil: Use a well-draining potting mix or seed-starting mix for newly rooted cuttings. Some plants prefer specialty blends, such as cactus mix for succulents—matching the soil type the parent plant thrived in can help ease the transition.
- Clean, sharp tools: Always use sanitized scissors or pruners when taking cuttings or making divisions to reduce the risk of disease and improve rooting success.
- Humidity support: A clear dome or loosely placed plastic bag can help maintain humidity while roots develop. Ventilate regularly to prevent excess moisture and mold.
- Optional rooting aids: Rooting hormone and heat mats aren’t required, but they can encourage faster, stronger root growth—especially for slower-rooting plants.
- Warmth and patience: Keep new cuttings warm and evenly moist, and give them time. Some plants root quickly, while others may take weeks or even months to establish.
Propagation is part science, part experimentation—starting with healthy, vigorous plants will always improve your results. And if you have questions about propagating a specific houseplant or want personalized guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our houseplant experts—we’re always happy to help you grow with confidence!