Propagation 101

Propagation is the creation of new plants from a "mother plant". It’s an easy and painless (a.k.a free) way to expand your plant collection, all while learning more about the wonders of nature. There are a couple of ways to clone your plants, but we recommend the water method for beginners. 

The water method is simple and highly successful. All you need to know beforehand is how to locate a node on your houseplant. Tons of houseplants have visible nodes, which are the points on a stem where new leaves, roots, or stems grow from. They are easy to identify, and usually appear as a bump or line on the stem, or even scarring from where an old leaf fell off. 

 

Supplies Needed

🌿 A plant. We recommend pothos, tradescantias, or monsteras to start with. 
✂️ Clean pruning shears or scissors. It's important to sanitize before cutting to avoid infections.
♻️ A vessel. Most people use a glass vessel, but if you have any single-use plastics lying around, this is a prime chance to upcycle.
💦 Clean water.

How To

Find a node. You’ll want at least 1-2 nodes on your cutting for a successful propagation.
Cut. About an inch below the node, cut into the stem and gather your plant clippings.
Add water. Add water into your vessel, and insert the clippings, ensuring the nodes are submerged. Foliage should be removed from water to avoid rot.
Place. Find the best spot for your cutting to root. A warm, bright spot safe from direct sun is ideal for most plants.
Wait. If you're looking for instant gratification, this method isn't for you. It can take some time for roots to emerge.

Depending on the plant species and your space's conditions, cuttings can take about two to three weeks to grow substantial roots. We recommend waiting until the roots are about 3" in length before considering them ready to pot in potting mix. Be patient and let nature do its thing! 

If you're still unsure of how to make plant babies of your own, email us at hello@heyrooted.com, and we'll walk you through it.