Propagating Houseplants from Stem & Leaf Cuttings

Cuttings are the easiest way to clone favorite plants or replace short-lived ones. Multiple techniques suit different growth habits.

General Setup

• Clean pots, sharp knife, cutting compost, small stakes for support.
• Bright, even 55–64°F (13–18°C); warmer for tropicals.
• Multiple cuttings per pot okay.

Methods

Simple stem cuttings (Ivy, trailing plants): Cut long stem into sections; pot in compost; cover with plastic tent until new growth shows roots.

Leaf-petiole cuttings (African violet, soft-stemmed): Cut leaf with 3–4 cm petiole. Dip in rooting hormone; plant in compost; cover; keep warm until growth appears.

Tip cuttings (bushy growth): Cut 8–13 cm tip above a node, angled away. Remove lower leaves. Dip in hormone; plant in compost; tent. Pinch tips later for branching.

African violet in water: Suspend leaf cutting through paper-covered bottle top; warm, light, draft-free.

Stem sections: Cut above leaf joints; divide into pieces each with a leaf. Pot in compost; tent; transplant when new leaves emerge.

All methods are low-cost, high-satisfaction ways to expand your collection.