The complete guide to propagating house plants from stem cuttings

One of the most gratifying things you can do as a plant parent is to make a new baby plant and watch it grow! There’s lots of ways to do this, from planting seeds to soil propagation, air layering or division, or my personal favorite: stem cuttings in water!

This method works perfectly with many common house plants such as pothos, philodendrons, monstera, peperomia, hoyas, spider plants, and more. However, it’s not the best method for some water-sensitive plants like succulents and cacti, which can easily rot in water. A quick Google search should tell you if your plant is right for this method. (I’ve also listed some common plants that you can try below!)

Not only is water propagation a great way to make new plants for yourself or to give away to friends and family, they also look super cute! Place your cuttings in a pretty bottle and they can act as decor while they grow!

Step-by-step guide to propagating with stem cuttings

1. Choose your plant: The process begins with selecting a mature, healthy parent plant. The plant should be well established and free from diseases and pest infestations. Looks for a plant that has several stems with multiple leaves and nodes. Bonus points if you see some aerial roots forming on the stems already (although this is not 100% necessary and not all plants do this!)
2. Choose + cut the stem: Next, choose the stem that you wish to use for the propagation. Look for a stem that has at least one node (those little bumps on the stem) and at least 2 leaves above the node. Use a sharp, clean knife or scissors to cut a 4-6 inch segment. Cut the stem in between the nodes ensuring that the cutting you want to use has a node on it.
3. Prepare the cutting: After cutting the stem, remove any leaves under the node because you’ll want the node to be completely submerged in water. Any leaves that will be submerged in water will increase the risk of your cutting rotting.
4. Place in water: Next, place your cutting into a container, like a clear glass jar, vase, or even a water bottle with enough water to cover the node, but not the leaves. Using a clear container is not necessary, it just allows you to watch the development of roots.
5. Wait + watch: Now comes the waiting game! Place your cutting in a warm spot where it can receive plenty of indirect light. Be sure to change out the water in the container once a week. In a few weeks, you should see small roots beginning to grow from the nodes. Keep in mind that the type of plant will determine how long this will take (as well as the conditions it’s in.) Plants like pothos tend to root quickly, while others like hoyas can take a lot longer.
6. Transition to soil: Once the roots are at least 1-2 inches long, it’s time to move your cutting to soil. Try not to rush this step. It’s better to wait until your cutting has a lot of long roots then to pot it up too soon. Gently plant it in a pot, with well draining soil that is appropriate for your type of plant. Try to be careful not to damage the delicate new roots. Water thoroughly after planting. Place the plant in a bright location and keep the soil evenly moist (but not soaking) for the first week to help the roots get used to their new home.

Tips + tricks for successful propagation

• Propagate in the spring: The best time to propagate your plants is in the spring and early summer while they are actively growing. While it’s still possible to propagate throughout the year, you’re more likely to be successful during the growing season.
• Avoid flowering stems: Stems with flowers or buds focus energy on reproduction rather than root development so for best results, choose a stem that only has leaves.
• Use filtered water + supplement with fertilizer: While this is not completely necessary, it can definitely help! Tap water can contain chlorine and other chemicals, which can hinder root growth. You can also provide some additional nutrition for your cutting by adding a small amount of fertilizer to the water. Be sure to read the package directions so that you don’t add too much and burn the sensitive new roots. I usually add half of the recommended dose.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Harsh, direct sunlight can put stress on your cutting, which might slow down the rooting process or even damage the plant. Instead, try for a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
• Be patient: This is the hardest part! Propagation can take time. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see roots developing immediately. Some plants may take several weeks to start forming roots.

Additional things to keep in mind

• Not all plants can be propagated this way. As I mentioned above, not all plants are suitable for this method. Succulents and cacti, for example, may not rot if you try to propagate them with water. Here are some common plants that can be propagated with stem cuttings in water:
  • Pothos
  • Philodendron
  • Monstera
  • Peperomia
  • Hoya
  • Spider plant (detach the babies and propagate these in water)
  • ZZ plant
  • Syngonium/Arrowhead
  • Pilea peperomioides
  • Fittonia
  • Callisia
  • Calathea
  • Maranta
  • Scindapsus
  • Tradescantia
  • Coleus
  • Ivy
  • Herbs like mint or basil
• Avoid overcrowding. If you’re propagating multiple cuttings in one container, make sure they have enough space. Overcrowding can lead to slower root growth and increase the chance of rot.
• Monitor your cuttings and water for decay. Keep an eye out for any signs of rot or mold on your cutting. If you spot any, remove it immediately to prevent it from spreading to the roots. Also if the water is looking murky, be sure to dump it out and add fresh water!

Propagation from stem cuttings in water can be a fun, rewarding way to expand your plant collection for yourself, or to give as gifts! Why not experiment with different types of house plants and see what happens! Observe and enjoy the process of watching new roots forming and new leaves eventually growing from a small cutting. Remember, patience is key. Happy propagating!