Propagating House Plants: Multiply Your Collection for Free

Propagating houseplants is deeply rewarding—especially sharing free plants with friends. Best method depends on plant type; consult the House Plants Encyclopedia A-Z for specifics.

Stem Cuttings

Remove part of parent plant to grow new one. Cut stem loses moisture supply—maintain humidity while roots form. Some root in water; others need rooting hormone. Spring/summer (active growth) is best.

Leaf Cuttings

Easy propagation method. African violet is famous for this; also works for rex begonias, kalanchoes, some peperomias.

Cut leaf stem 1 inch below leaf. Insert at 45° angle in moist mix, leaf above surface. Once plantlets form at base, remove parent leaf and pot up.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Cut leaf into 2-inch horizontal sections, keep right-side-up, insert ⅓ deep in moist mix. 2–3 plantlets per section.

Root Cuttings

Insert root pieces vertically in moist mix, crown-end up. Pot plantlets when they form.

Division

Easiest (and messiest) for clump-forming mature plants like Peace Lily and Snake Plant.

Remove plant, lay flat, carefully pull roots apart (sharp knife for dense roots). Pot new divisions in slightly larger containers.

Reference: American Horticultural Society Plant Propagation manual