Growing plants from cuttings is a rewarding, cost-effective way to expand your garden or share your favorite plants with others.
Instead of starting from seeds, propagating from cuttings allows you to clone the parent plant, ensuring you get the same desired traits. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, this method is both fun and practical.
In this guide, we’ll explore 20 plants you can easily grow from cuttings, step-by-step instructions for propagation, and tips to ensure success.
Why Grow Plants From Cuttings?
- Cost-Effective: Save money by creating new plants from existing ones.
- Fast Growth: Cuttings grow faster than seeds since they skip the germination stage.
- Identical Traits: Cloning ensures the new plant is genetically identical to the parent.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduce waste by reusing plant material.
Types of Plant Cuttings
- Softwood Cuttings: Taken from new growth in spring or early summer (e.g., herbs, shrubs).
- Semi-Hardwood Cuttings: From partially mature stems in late summer or fall (e.g., roses, camellias).
- Hardwood Cuttings: From mature stems during the dormant season (e.g., fruit trees, vines).
20 Plants You Can Grow From Cuttings
1. Basil
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to propagate from softwood cuttings.
How to Propagate:
- Cut 4–6-inch stems below a node.
- Remove the lower leaves and place the stem in water.
- Roots should appear in 1–2 weeks. Transfer to soil once they’re 2 inches long.
2. Mint
Mint grows prolifically from cuttings, making it ideal for beginners.
How to Propagate:
- Snip 4-inch stems and remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or directly into moist soil.
- Roots will develop within 10 days.
3. Lavender
Lavender cuttings can help you grow this fragrant herb without buying new plants.
How to Propagate:
- Take 3–4-inch semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant in sandy soil.
- Keep soil moist until roots form.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary thrives from semi-hardwood cuttings.
How to Propagate:
- Cut 6-inch stems from mature plants.
- Strip leaves from the bottom half and place in water or soil.
- Keep in a sunny spot for root development.
5. Thyme
Thyme cuttings grow quickly with proper care.
How to Propagate:
- Take 4-inch cuttings from softwood growth.
- Place in water or directly in well-drained soil.
- Water sparingly to avoid rot.
6. Tomatoes
You can clone your favorite tomato plants with stem cuttings.
How to Propagate:
- Cut 6–8-inch stems from a healthy tomato plant.
- Remove lower leaves and place in water or soil.
- Roots will develop in 1–2 weeks.
7. Roses
Roses propagate well from hardwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.
How to Propagate:
- Take 8–10-inch cuttings from healthy stems.
- Dip the base in rooting hormone and plant in a pot with moist soil.
- Cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity.
8. Geraniums
Geraniums are perfect for propagating via softwood cuttings.
How to Propagate:
- Cut 4–6-inch stems just below a node.
- Let the cut end dry for a day before planting in soil.
- Water lightly to encourage root growth.
9. Snake Plant
Snake plants grow easily from leaf cuttings.
How to Propagate:
- Cut a healthy leaf into 3-inch sections.
- Place the cut end in water or soil.
- Roots and new shoots will appear within weeks.
10. Pothos
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is almost foolproof to propagate.
How to Propagate:
- Cut 6-inch stems below a node.
- Place in water or directly in soil.
- Roots develop in 1–2 weeks.
11. Philodendron
Philodendron cuttings are ideal for water propagation.
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-inch cuttings with at least 2 nodes.
- Place in water and transfer to soil once roots form.
12. Succulents
Many succulents, like jade and echeveria, propagate from leaves or stems.
How to Propagate:
- Gently twist off a healthy leaf or stem.
- Allow it to dry for a few days before placing it on moist soil.
- Roots will form in 2–4 weeks.
13. Ficus
Ficus plants, including the fiddle-leaf fig, grow well from cuttings.
How to Propagate:
- Take 6-inch hardwood cuttings.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in a well-draining soil mix.
- Keep in indirect light until roots develop.
14. Hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are excellent candidates for semi-hardwood propagation.
How to Propagate:
- Cut 6-inch stems with 3–4 nodes.
- Remove lower leaves and plant in soil.
- Keep soil moist and cover with a plastic bag for humidity.
15. Ivy
Ivy grows prolifically from stem cuttings.
How to Propagate:
- Cut 6-inch sections with nodes.
- Place in water or soil, ensuring nodes are submerged.
- Roots will form within a week.
16. Bougainvillea
Bougainvillea cuttings root well in the right conditions.
How to Propagate:
- Take 8-inch hardwood cuttings.
- Dip in rooting hormone and plant in sandy soil.
- Keep warm and moist until roots form.
17. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm thrives from softwood cuttings.
How to Propagate:
- Cut 4-inch stems and remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or directly in soil.
- Keep moist until roots form.
18. Spider Plant
Spider plants produce “pups” that can be propagated easily.
How to Propagate:
- Detach the pups and plant them directly in soil.
- Water regularly until roots establish.
19. Bamboo
Bamboo can grow from stem cuttings with patience.
How to Propagate:
- Cut 12-inch sections of young stems.
- Plant in water or moist soil, ensuring nodes are submerged.
- Wait several weeks for root development.
20. Orchids
Orchids propagate through stem or node cuttings.
How to Propagate:
- Cut stems with aerial roots or nodes.
- Plant in a bark-based orchid mix.
- Maintain high humidity for root growth.
Tips for Successful Plant Propagation
- Use Sterile Tools: Prevent infections by using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
- Dip in Rooting Hormone: For stubborn plants, use rooting hormone to encourage root development.
- Provide Proper Light: Place cuttings in bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth.
- Maintain Humidity: Cover cuttings with a plastic bag or place them in a humid environment to reduce moisture loss.
- Be Patient: Root development can take anywhere from days to weeks, depending on the plant.
Growing plants from cuttings is an accessible and sustainable way to expand your garden or indoor plant collection.
Whether you’re propagating herbs like basil and mint, flowers like roses and geraniums, or houseplants like pothos and snake plants, the process is simple and rewarding.
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thriving garden of propagated plants!
