Propagation basics
Also known as Cuttings, Division, Layering, Air layering
In short
Most houseplants can be multiplied from pieces of themselves: stem or leaf cuttings, division, layering, air layering or offsets, as well as seed. Propagate while the parent plant is actively growing and keep cuttings warm, humid and out of direct sun.
How it looks
Stem cuttings: a 7.5–10 cm (3–4 in) tip cut just below a node, with lower leaves removed. Leaf cuttings: a leaf, with or without part of its stalk (African violets, begonias, many succulents). Division: pulling apart a plant with several crowns or stems (peace lily, spider plant, cast iron plant). Layering: pinning a trailing stem onto mix until it roots. Air layering: wounding a stem and wrapping it in moist sphagnum until roots form, used on leggy Ficus and Dracaena.
Signs
Success looks like new roots (visible in water or felt as resistance when gently tugged) and new leaf growth.
Life cycle
University of Nevada Extension notes water-rooted cuttings such as pothos can show roots within about ten days; air layers take from a few weeks to several months. Leaf cuttings can be potted when roots reach about 1 cm (1/2 in).
What favours it
Warm, bright but shaded conditions with high humidity help cuttings root; a clear plastic bag or cover over the pot makes a small greenhouse. Warm, humid tropical conditions suit many cuttings, but direct sun and soggy mix cause failure.
Prevention
- Take cuttings from healthy, pest-free plants during active growth.
- Use clean, sharp tools.
- Root in a light mix such as equal parts peat or coir with perlite or vermiculite.
- Cover to keep humidity high, but ventilate if condensation or mould builds up.
Treatment
Start with the first step and move down only if the problem persists.
- Stem cuttings: remove lower leaves so at least two nodes go into the mix; dip in rooting powder if desired; firm in and water.
- Succulent leaf cuttings: let the cut end dry and callus before planting.
- Water rooting: change the water every few days.
- Division: tease plants apart by hand as far as possible, cutting only where needed.
- Air layering: remove a ring of bark about 2.5 cm (1 in) wide, apply rooting powder, wrap with moist sphagnum and plastic, and cut below the new roots once they fill the moss.
- Pot rooted cuttings into small pots, not large ones.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Produces plants identical to the parent; cheap; renews old, leggy plants.
Cons
- Cuttings can rot in wet mix or collapse without humidity; some plants are difficult or slow to root.
- Propagating from infested plants spreads pests.
Look-alikes
- Crown and stem rot
- A cutting whose base turns black and soft is rotting rather than rooting; start again with a fresh cut and drier mix.
- Damping-off
- Seedlings collapsing at soil level are affected by damping-off fungi.
Typical uses
Stem cuttings: pothos, philodendron, syngonium, hoya, coleus, dieffenbachia. Leaf cuttings: African violet, begonia, succulents. Division: spider plant, peace lily, cast iron plant. Air layering: Ficus, Dracaena.
Related
Sources
Written in our own words from these sources. Check a product label before using any treatment.