Propagating plants from cuttings is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to expand your garden.
By taking a small cutting from a healthy parent plant, you can grow a new plant that’s genetically identical to the original.
This method works well for a variety of plants, from flowering perennials to fragrant herbs.
If you’re looking to create a lush garden or share plants with friends and family, here are 25 plants and herbs you can propagate from cuttings.
Benefits of Propagating Plants from Cuttings
- Cost-Effective: Save money by growing new plants from existing ones.
- Quick Results: Cuttings root faster than starting plants from seeds.
- Preserve Favorites: Ensure the new plant retains the exact characteristics of the parent plant.
- Eco-Friendly: Reduce waste by using garden trimmings to create new plants.
25 Plants & Herbs You Can Propagate from Cuttings
1. Basil
- How to Propagate: Take a 4-inch cutting from a healthy basil plant. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water.
- Time to Root: 7-10 days.
- Tips: Change the water every few days to prevent rot.
2. Rosemary
- How to Propagate: Cut a 6-inch stem and strip the leaves from the bottom half. Place in water or directly into soil.
- Time to Root: 2-4 weeks.
- Tips: Use a rooting hormone for faster results.
3. Mint
- How to Propagate: Snip a 4-6 inch cutting and place it in a glass of water.
- Time to Root: 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Mint roots quickly and can become invasive, so consider growing it in a pot.
4. Lavender
- How to Propagate: Take a 3-4 inch cutting from new growth. Remove the lower leaves and plant in well-draining soil.
- Time to Root: 3-6 weeks.
- Tips: Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged.
5. Thyme
- How to Propagate: Take a 4-inch cutting from the top of a healthy stem. Remove the lower leaves and place in water or soil.
- Time to Root: 2-3 weeks.
- Tips: Keep cuttings in a warm, sunny spot for best results.
6. Sage
- How to Propagate: Cut a 4-6 inch stem and remove the lower leaves. Place in water or soil.
- Time to Root: 2-4 weeks.
- Tips: Sage prefers a warm, dry environment for rooting.
7. Oregano
- How to Propagate: Take a 3-4 inch cutting and place in water or directly into soil.
- Time to Root: 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Ensure the cutting gets plenty of light.
8. Chives
- How to Propagate: Divide a clump of chives and plant the divisions in soil.
- Time to Root: 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist during the rooting period.
9. Tomatoes
- How to Propagate: Snip a sucker or side shoot from the main stem. Place in water.
- Time to Root: 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Transplant to soil once roots are established.
10. Peppers
- How to Propagate: Take a 4-6 inch cutting and place in water or soil.
- Time to Root: 2-3 weeks.
- Tips: Keep in a warm, humid environment for optimal growth.
11. Roses
- How to Propagate: Cut a 6-8 inch stem from new growth. Remove the lower leaves and plant in soil.
- Time to Root: 4-8 weeks.
- Tips: Cover with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse.
12. Geraniums
- How to Propagate: Take a 4-6 inch cutting, remove lower leaves, and plant in soil.
- Time to Root: 2-4 weeks.
- Tips: Avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
13. Hydrangeas
- How to Propagate: Cut a 6-inch stem and remove the bottom leaves. Plant in soil.
- Time to Root: 3-4 weeks.
- Tips: Keep the soil moist and provide indirect light.
14. Fuchsia
- How to Propagate: Take a 4-inch cutting and plant in a pot with well-draining soil.
- Time to Root: 2-3 weeks.
- Tips: Keep the cutting in a warm, humid spot.
15. Succulents
- How to Propagate: Snip a leaf or stem and let it callous over for 1-2 days. Plant in soil.
- Time to Root: 2-4 weeks.
- Tips: Avoid overwatering; succulents prefer dry conditions.
16. Aloe Vera
- How to Propagate: Remove an offset (pup) from the base of the plant and replant it in soil.
- Time to Root: 2-3 weeks.
- Tips: Use well-draining soil and water sparingly.
17. Jade Plant
- How to Propagate: Take a 3-4 inch stem cutting and let it callous over. Plant in soil.
- Time to Root: 2-4 weeks.
- Tips: Keep in a sunny spot with minimal watering.
18. Pothos
- How to Propagate: Snip a stem with 4-5 leaves and place in water.
- Time to Root: 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Change the water regularly to prevent stagnation.
19. Spider Plant
- How to Propagate: Remove plantlets (spiderettes) and plant them in soil or water.
- Time to Root: 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Use a small pot initially to avoid overwatering.
20. Philodendron
- How to Propagate: Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting and place in water.
- Time to Root: 2-4 weeks.
- Tips: Keep in indirect sunlight for optimal growth.
21. Coleus
- How to Propagate: Take a 4-6 inch cutting and place in water or soil.
- Time to Root: 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Pinch off flowers to encourage leafy growth.
22. Begonias
- How to Propagate: Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting and plant in soil.
- Time to Root: 2-4 weeks.
- Tips: Provide high humidity and indirect light.
23. Lemongrass
- How to Propagate: Take a stalk with roots attached and plant it in water or soil.
- Time to Root: 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Keep in a sunny location for best results.
24. Marjoram
- How to Propagate: Snip a 3-4 inch cutting and place in water or soil.
- Time to Root: 2-3 weeks.
- Tips: Ensure plenty of light and keep the soil lightly moist.
25. Basil Mint (Perilla)
- How to Propagate: Take a 4-inch cutting and place it in water.
- Time to Root: 1-2 weeks.
- Tips: Change the water every few days to promote healthy roots.
Propagating plants and herbs from cuttings is a rewarding way to expand your garden with minimal effort and expense.
Whether you’re cultivating culinary herbs, vibrant flowers, or decorative houseplants, these 25 options offer plenty of opportunities to grow your garden sustainably.
With the right care and attention, you can enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing new plants and sharing them with others.
