Yes, cuttings from houseplants can be used to generate new houseplants. The process is called “vegetative propagation” because it involves taking a vegetative part of a plant, such as the stem or a leaf, and allowing it to regenerate itself into a new plant.

Vegetative propagation is quick and easy and results in a plant that is genetically identical to the parent plant.

The most common methods of vegetative propagation are plantlets, stem cuttings, and leaf cuttings. The best method depends on the type of plant being propagated.

Plantlets are new, small plants that grow on the mother plant, sometimes with roots. In some species, plantlets grow at the base of the mother plant. In other species, plantlets grow on above ground runners (called stolons) or underground fleshy stems (called rhizomes). In some species, plantlets even grow on leaves and flowers.

Houseplants that produce plantlets can be propagated by simply separating the plantlet from the mother plant and repotting it separately. If the plantlet has roots, the odds of success increase substantially.

Plants that can be propagated by plantlets include the African violets (Saintpaulia species), many ferns, peace lilies (Spathiphyllum species), spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum), snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata), and strawberry begonias (Saxifraga stolonifera).

Stem cuttings are used to propagate fast-growing herbaceous houseplants that have stems or vines with multiple leaf nodes. Leaf nodes are the small bumps or swellings on the stem where leaves emerge.

With this method of propagation, cut four to six inches of stem off the plant starting from the tip. Snip just below a leaf node. Remove all but the uppermost leaves on the cutting and insert the bare stem into potting medium or water. New roots will develop at leaf nodes that are in contact with potting medium or water.

If the cutting is placed in water, once roots develop, transplant the rooted stem into potting medium.

Plants that can be propagated by stem cuttings include the dumb cane (Dieffenbachia species), Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum), English Ivy (Hedera helix), heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum), and holiday cacti (Schlumbergera species).

Leaf cuttings are usually undertaken with plants that have fleshy leaves. To propagate a plant using leaf cuttings, remove an entire leaf from the plant along with an inch of the leaf stalk. Stick the stalk into potting medium or water and wait for new roots or a small plantlet to develop. If you put the leaf into water, once roots have developed, transplant it into potting medium.

Another way to propagate through leaf cuttings is to cut the leaf into pieces (as seen in the photo) or score the veins on the underside of the leaf. Place the leaf or cut pieces in or on top of potting medium. Roots and new little plants develop where the veins are in contact with the potting medium.

With both leaf cuttings and stem cuttings, it is critical to remember which end of the leaf or stem was originally the top and which was the bottom, the part closest to the plant’s roots. Be sure to put the bottom end in the potting medium or water; otherwise, the plant will never develop roots.

Plants that can be propagated through leaf cuttings include African violets (Saintpaulia species), begonias, jade plants (Crassula ovata), Peperomia species, and snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata).

Other tips for propagation

Propagate houseplants when they are actively growing. Spring and early summer are the best times to propagate houseplants.

Make sure all tools, equipment, and containers are clean and disinfected. Use a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach to disinfect pots if you are reusing them.

Water plants to be propagated the day before taking cuttings to reduce plant stress.

Use a very light potting medium to encourage new tender root growth. A mix of 50% perlite and 50% medium grade peat moss works well.

Consider using rooting hormone. Cuttings can successfully produce roots without rooting hormone; however, use of a rooting hormone will speed up the process. Be careful to treat only the cut surface of the leaf or stem and flick off any excess.

Root many cuttings in one shallow container. Not all cuttings will make it.

Place the container in a warm, brightly lit area, but not in direct sun. Check the container regularly for adequate moisture. Water sparingly until the new plants develop roots.

Do not pull on the new plants to check for roots. Rather, use a narrow spatula or popsicle stick to lift the cuttings out of the planting medium. When you see good root formation, the cuttings are ready for transplant.

One final note: If a houseplant has a patent, it is illegal to propagate the plant vegetatively without the written authorization or licensing by the patent holder.

For more information on propagating houseplants, see Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach website at https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/how-to/propagating-houseplants.

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Jeanette Stehr-Green is a WSU-certified Clallam County Master Gardener and houseplant enthusiast.

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More information

Members of the public can get help solving gardening problems, identifying plants or insects, and diagnosing plant diseases and pests at Master Gardener Plant Clinics. Visit us at the Sequim Farmer’s Market at 152 W. Cedar St. on the second and fourth Saturday of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Plant clinics are also held at the Master Gardener Woodcock Demonstration Garden, 2711 Woodcock Rd. in Sequim, during Digging Deeper Workshops. For dates and times visit our website at clallammgf.org