Propagation Made Easy

         What is propagation? When two plants love each other very much…

Lucky for us, you don’t need chemistry or the right outfit to multiply your plant collection. All you need is a little patience—and maybe a steady hand.

Propagation sounds intimidating, but it’s really just the quiet moment your plant gives you permission to grow something new. No fancy tools, no greenhouse—just a healthy plant, a clean cut, and some time.

Let’s get into a few terms you’ll want to know—

• Cutting: the piece of the plant you remove

• Node: where roots grow from

• Medium: water, soil, or a soil/perlite blend where the plant roots

• Aerial roots: roots that grow above the soil; these help climbing plants and can develop into full root systems

• Transplanting: moving your rooted cutting into soil once it’s ready

Photo of a pothos demonstrating where a node and an aerial node (node w/new root) are

To start propagating, you’ll need to choose your cutting. The ideal candidate has at least one node and 2–3 leaves that will sit above your medium.

Look at your plant—do you see any vining pieces? Those are perfect.

Cut about ¼"–½" below the node using clean, sharp shears. (I use kitchen scissors from my baking rack, because we contain multitudes.)

Gently dry the bottom of the cutting and set it aside while you choose your medium.

There are a few ways to propagate, but most of my plants root beautifully in water.

Place your cutting in a glass jar or propagation station, making sure the node is fully submerged—but no leaves are underwater. Leaves in water = rot, and we don’t negotiate with that.

Change the water every couple of days to keep things fresh and prevent bacteria or fungus from building up.

And just like that… you’ve propagated.

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I prefer water propagation because my management style leans toward anxious attachment. Being able to see the roots forming helps me understand what’s happening and when something needs attention.

My water propagation set up

Depending on the plant, roots can appear in as little as five days. Tradescantia zebrina? She’s an overachiever—sometimes rooting within 36 hours.

If I’m struggling with a cutting, I’ll add a zebrina cutting into the same jar. They’re known for strong rooting hormones, and I swear they help their friends along. Once everything is established, I just return her to her original pot like nothing happened.

Some plants—like succulents—prefer soil propagation.

Instead of water, place the cutting into a well-draining soil mix with the node just buried. Water from the top and allow it to drain fully.

This is one of the few times I don’t rely on bottom watering. Without established roots, these cuttings need a little more guidance. I’ll usually top water first, then alternate methods until the plant can sustain itself.

When soil propagating, I like using clear nursery pots or glass so I can monitor root growth.

That said, I currently have several plants living in coffee mugs, which is… stressful for everyone involved.

My mug of baby oxalis in the front, with my lavender mug behind it. Featuring a surprise appearance from my failed basil rehab.

I’ve had some success by letting the soil dry slightly more than I’d prefer. My working theory: root rot is worse than a little underwatering. A little stress builds character.

Soil-propagated plants will stay in those containers until they’re close to root bound. At that point, you can decide—one full plant, or several smaller ones.

We’ll get into that when we talk about repotting in another Well Watered Wednesday.

For water propagations, once roots are about 1"–1½" long and starting to thicken, they’re ready to move.

Start with a small pot (2–3"), add a base layer of rock or perlite, then top with well-draining soil. Gently bury the roots and node, avoiding any new growth. Water thoroughly and let it drain.

Don’t be surprised when you and your plant enter the strangest battle of your life.

It will wilt. Then perk up. Then wilt again.

You’ll question everything—light, water, your own judgment, possibly your entire personality.

Your plant is just adjusting. Give it time. Stay consistent. You’ll figure it out.

Propagation isn’t really about making more plants.

It’s about learning how to pay attention.

When you slow down, notice what’s working, and give things time—growth follows. Every time.