Tips for propagating your plants with cuttings

No matter what your plans are, you should know that one of the easiest and most popular ways to reproduce your plants is through cuttings. This is a form of asexual propagation that will allow you to get new plants in record time, which will also be an exact replica of the original plant. Get ready to become an expert in propagation through cuttings with these tricks.

Some say that the Chinese money plant attracts good fortune, especially if it is given as a gift, so I might as well multiply my plant and give it as a gift to all my friends.

We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.

Kentia Palm
€79.00
Tropical and purifying
Buy
Chichipe
€74.00
The iconic cactus
Buy

The basics: cuttings 101

A cutting is a living, tender part of the plant, which thanks to environmental conditions will be able to develop roots and become a new plant. Cuttings can be taken from stems, shoots, branches and even leaves. The important thing is that it is a living part and in perfect condition.

It is important to know if the plant you want to reproduce can be done by this method. You should also know how to take a good cutting, as this will determine the success of the task. To reproduce by cutting, you will need a pair of pruning shears, a pruning saw or a sharp, clean cutter, as well as the substrate in which you will place the cuttings. Some plants can be planted directly into the soil, while others are better to stimulate root growth in water.

Remember that plant reproduction is a process of trial and error. There are no universal laws, because plant behaviour depends on variables such as climate, soil, species, among others. Don't be afraid of failure.

Tricks to make perfect cuttings

Cutting the cutting

- Choose a piece of the branch that looks healthy. Much better if you see some buds, which are the thickening from which leaves, flowers or stems sprout. Look for one that has more than 3.

- The cutting of the cutting should be done with a sharp scissors or cutter, to avoid mistreating the branch and the cutting. Cut about 10 to 15 cm of stem.

We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.

Botanical scissors
€13.00
Prune and shape your plants
Buy
Monstera Deliciosa
€47.00 €42.00
Adapts to any environment
Buy

- The buds develop almost immediately into roots, so take advantage of this by making a diagonal cut just below the bud to provide enough area for root development.

- If your cutting has leaves, don't be afraid to cut them off. Leave just a couple. This will allow all the plant's energy to concentrate on creating roots, which is what we are interested in for healthy, strong plants, and you will avoid water loss.

- You can make cuttings from the leaves. Plants such as sanseviera, succulents such as jade, African violets and others can be propagated with leaves. Look for a healthy leaf and a stem of several centimetres. In the case of succulents, they should not be broken.

We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.

Snake Plant
€38.00
An oxygen pump
Buy
Carassula ovata
€33.00
Die hard and beautiful
Buy

Planting the cutting

- Creating seedbeds or containers for cuttings is the perfect excuse to recycle. You can use anything from egg cartons to Keurig capsules for smaller seedlings, such as cacti. Just fill them with well-aerated, composted substrate to promote rooting.

- The use of water vs. substrate for making cuttings is a never-ending discussion. From my experience, I believe both are effective depending on the type of plant to be propagated. For example, croton, succulent varieties such as sedum, a potato cutting, zamioculcas and mother-in-law's tongue do very well in water. You can do your own experiments.

- Some people use special fertilisers to stimulate rooting. They are not essential, but if you want to use them, you can find many options on the market.

- If you are going to leave the cuttings in water, you can use glass containers. Fill them with water and submerge only part of the stem. If it is too wide or if you are using short stem leaves, you can use a piece of plastic film or aluminium foil to cover the container. Perflate the container and place the cuttings in it. This way they will be submerged without getting soggy.

- Avoid sticking the cuttings in the soil, it is better to open the soil with your finger and gently push them in.

when to take cuttings?

- Cuttings are sensitive to temperature and humidity, they need a mild climate in order to develop strong roots. For this reason the spring and autumn months are perfect for this process.

- You can take advantage of pruning your plant at these times and use the parts that are left to make cuttings. are you transplanting your succulent and some of its leaves have fallen off? Put them in water to have new plants.

The best plants for cuttings

When we tell you that almost all plants can be propagated by cuttings, we are not exaggerating. The easiest to propagate are potos, crotons, succulents and cacti in general. You can also try plants that purify the environment:

  • Potos

We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.

Pothos
€44.00
Resistant and for beginners
Buy
Ananas Comosus
€43.00
a plant with fruit!
Buy

  • Peace Lilies

We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.

Lemon tree
€79.00
Irresistible and resistant
Buy
Bonsai Ficus Ginseng
€37.00
Ideal for beginners
Buy

  • Calathea Roeopicta

We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.

Calathea Medallion
€40.00
Regulates humidity
Buy
Bonsai 10 years old Pinus ...
€93.00
A miniature pine tree
Buy

  • Clathea Lancifolia

We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.

Calathea lancifolia
€39.00
Delicate and eye-catching
Buy
Bird of Paradise
€66.00 €59.00
Decorative and resistant
Buy

  • Adam's Rib

We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.

Monstera Deliciosa
€47.00 €42.00
Adapts to any environment
Buy
Bonsai 10 years old Pistac...
€106.00
Resilient and unique
Buy

  • Calathea triostar

We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.

Calathea triostar
€38.00
Tough and eye-catching
Buy
Parlor Palm
€80.00
Hard-wearing and indoor
Buy

Plants that bring good luck

  • Rose bushes
  • Chinese Money Plant
  • Sage

Indoor plants

  • Olive tree plants
  • Zamioculcas plant
  • Ficus lyrata or leaf fig tree
  • Euphorbia ingens or candelabra tree

We ship plants to all locations, you can see more options here.

Olive tree
€47.00
Tough and beautiful
Buy
ZZ plant
€40.00
Adapts to any environment
Buy

The options are limitless and it is very satisfying to watch your new seedlings grow. Get excited about creating your own tropical corner or lucky plants to give to all your colleagues.
About the author
Ame Rodríguez

Dedicated to creating an army of cacti, succulents, poodles and cats to help me conquer the world. In the little free time I have left, I play, write and dance.

Related articles
Pet and plant in harmony: tips for a safe green oasis Where to place purifying plants for best results Perfect care for your Alocasia: tips and tricks Discover the Spectacular World of Sunflowers Tips for decorating small spaces with impressive houseplants Discover 10 plants that are perfect for gifting someone who is short on space Macetas, Regaderas, and more: the best herbs for caring for plants on the move Breathtaking Pink Jasmine: Unleash Its Beauty Now Unveiling the Secrets of Christmas Cactus Care Breathe fresh and fresh air at home with the best houseplants selected especially for you Plants as a gift: making the perfect choice Alocasia amazonica: An exotic beauty for your home Discover the secret ingredient for a spectacular decoration: plants with striking leaves! Cheap and green: the benefits of buying houseplants online Small spaces, big impact: Calatheas for a wardrobe Transform your home into a floral oasis with these practical orchid tips Gifts that grow: Plant gifts with temperature control during shipping Houseplants: the key to creating a healthy and harmonious environment in your home Fast-growing plants: a smart choice to bring your home to life The Best Plants for Your Workspace Experts give tips on how to take care of your olive tree Discover Ficus robusta, the ideal plant to beautify your living room The positive effect of Calathea plants on the family atmosphere How to care for houseplants in winter Revitalize Your Plants With Proper Repotting Why an olive tree is a unique gift idea: The special value behind it Decorate your home with style and sophistication thanks to Polyscias Scutellaria Fabian Mysterious and Resilient: Secrets of Staghorn Ferns Find out how to use the versatile Euphorbia Trigona Rubra in interior decoration Why do my plants have yellow leaves? Find out how to fix it Unleash the Greenery: Master Pothos Propagation With Pruning Decorate your home in a natural and timeless way with Kokedamas