How to Propagate from Cuttings
What is propagation?
Propagation involves creating new plants from existing ones through methods like seeds, cuttings, divisions, layering, and grafting.
How long does it take for cuttings to propagate?
Successful cuttings depend on plant type, environment, and care.. Typically, new plants can be established in 1 month or more.
How do you know when a cutting is successful?
Cuttings are established when you see new, active, healthy looking growth present.
What is a node?
A node is a point on a plant stem where leaves, branches, or buds grow. Nodes are crucial for plant growth and propagation, serving as sites for new growth. The sections between nodes are called internodes.
Where are the nodes located on plants?
Nodes are located along the stem. They can be identified from the slight bumps or swellings on the stem, often accompanied by leaf scars or found at the bases of leaves and branches.
What is basal growth?
Basal growth refers to new shoots emerging from a plant's base, aiding in its spread and robustness.
What is “doming”?
Doming plants use sealed containers for humidity, which can boost plant growth and cutting establishment. A plastic container, sealable bag, and cloche are examples of doming methods.
What kind of soil should I use for cuttings?
Nepenthes: 2 parts perlite and 1 part sphagnum moss (measured by volume and mixed thoroughly)
Aroids: Aroids can be propagated from cuttings with water or soil. We recommend soil.
Water: Submerge the stem in water at least an inch past the node. Change the water daily and repot once several well developed roots are present. Avoid using rooting hormone with this method.
Aroid Mix: Place your cutting in a pot filled with aroid mix and water as normal. Increased humidity can expedite root growth.
See our soil mixing guide for more information.
What is rooting hormone? Do cuttings need rooting hormone?
Rooting hormone is a type of substance used to stimulate the growth of roots on plant cuttings. Though not necessary, rooting hormone helps increase the success rate of propagating plants from cuttings by promoting faster root development.
How to Apply Rooting Hormone
Rooting hormone comes in a gel or powder form.
Gel application: Soak the stem in the gel for 3-5 seconds and then place immediately in the potting media.
Powder application: Generously coat the bottom of the stem / nodes in the powder and then place immediately in the potting media.
Should I repot the cuttings once I know they’re established?
It's best not to repot your cuttings once they're established, as their new roots are fragile and can easily break. Wait until the roots fill the pot and have hardened off before repotting. For more details, refer to our repotting guide.
How to Make Pitcher Plant Cuttings
To propagate Nepenthes from cuttings, wait until there is a basal growth of at least 2-3 inches in leafspan.
- Create cuttings from the basal or original vine. Two nodes are recommended with an ample stem underneath.
- Apply rooting hormone if desired.
- Pot the cutting.
- Water thoroughly, allowing the water to drain completely.
- Place a dome over the plant to maintain high humidity.
- Keep the plant domed until roots have developed, typically around 2 months.
- Once established, the plant can be acclimated to its new environment. For more details, check out our bag acclimation guide.
How to Make Aroid Cuttings
Making aroid cuttings are recommended when the plants are vining too much or have unappealing growth.
- Trim the plant between two nodes, leaving ample stem below.
- Apply rooting hormone if desired.
- Plant the cutting in a chunky soil mix.
- Water the plant.
- Cuttings are established when new, healthy growth appears, typically around 1 month.
Need more information? See our growing tips and care guides.