29/05/2025
What Are Plant Cuttings?
A cutting is simply a piece of a plant—usually a stem, leaf, or root—that you remove and place in soil or water to grow into a new plant.
This method of propagation takes advantage of a plant’s natural ability to regenerate, making it a free and sustainable way to expand your garden.
10 plants you can start with just cuttings
1. Lavender
Why It’s Great: Lavender is a fragrant, drought-tolerant perennial that adds beauty and aroma to any garden.
How to Propagate: Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem in late spring or early summer. Remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional), and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep it moist until roots form.
Pro Tip: Lavender thrives in sunny spots, so place your cuttings where they’ll get at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
2. Mint
Why It’s Great: Mint is a fast-growing herb that’s perfect for teas, cooking, or simply enjoying its refreshing scent.
How to Propagate: Snip a 3-5 inch stem just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a glass of water. Roots will appear in about a week. Once they’re a couple of inches long, transplant into soil.
Pro Tip: Mint spreads quickly, so consider growing it in a pot to keep it contained.
3. Rosemary
Why It’s Great: This hardy herb is a kitchen staple and a stunning addition to any garden with its woody stems and evergreen foliage.
How to Propagate: Cut a 4-6 inch piece from a soft, new growth stem. Strip the lower leaves and place it in water or directly into sandy soil. Roots typically form in 2-4 weeks.
Pro Tip: Rosemary loves well-drained soil and full sun—perfect for a low-maintenance backyard.
4. Pothos
Why It’s Great: Known for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, pothos is a versatile plant that can thrive indoors or out.
How to Propagate: Cut a 4-6 inch section with at least two nodes, remove the bottom leaves, and place it in water. Once roots develop (usually within 2-3 weeks), plant it in soil.
Pro Tip: Use pothos cuttings to create hanging baskets or ground cover in shaded areas.
5. Geranium
Why It’s Great: Geraniums bring vibrant blooms to your garden and are surprisingly easy to propagate.
How to Propagate: Take a 4-5 inch cutting from a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and let it dry for a few hours to form a callus. Plant it in well-draining soil and water sparingly until roots establish.
Pro Tip: Geraniums love sunny spots and can bloom year-round in mild climates.
6. Hydrangea
Why It’s Great: Hydrangeas offer stunning, oversized blooms that can turn your backyard into a floral paradise.
How to Propagate: In early summer, cut a 5-6 inch section of new growth (avoid woody stems). Remove the lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in moist, well-draining soil. Cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity until roots form.
Pro Tip: Keep cuttings in partial shade for best results.
7. Basil
Why It’s Great: This aromatic herb is a must-have for foodies and grows like wildfire from cuttings.
How to Propagate: Snip a 4-inch stem just below a node, remove the bottom leaves, and place it in water. Roots will sprout in 5-10 days, after which you can transfer it to soil.
Pro Tip: Pinch the tips regularly to encourage bushier growth.
8. Willow
Why It’s Great: Willow trees grow quickly and are perfect for creating natural privacy screens or shade.
How to Propagate: Cut a 12-inch section of a young, flexible branch in spring or fall. Place it in water or directly into moist soil—willows root easily either way.
Pro Tip: Willows love wet soil, so they’re ideal near ponds or low-lying areas.
9. Succulents
Why It’s Great: Succulents are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and come in endless shapes and colors.
How to Propagate: Gently twist off a leaf or cut a stem, let it dry for 1-2 days to callus, then place it on top of cactus soil. Mist lightly until roots and new growth appear.
Pro Tip: Perfect for rock gardens or sunny corners of your backyard.
10. Rose
Why It’s Great: Roses are the queens of the garden, offering timeless beauty and fragrance.
How to Propagate: Take a 6-8 inch cutting from a healthy stem just after a bloom fades. Remove the flower and lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and plant in a mix of sand and soil. Keep it moist and shaded until rooted.
Pro Tip: Patience is key—roses can take 4-8 weeks to root.
Why Grow Plants from Cuttings?
Propagating plants from cuttings isn’t just about saving money—it’s also eco-friendly and rewarding. Here are a few reasons to give it a try:
Cost-Free Gardening: No need to buy seeds or nursery plants.
Sustainability: Reuse trimmings instead of tossing them.
Customization: Grow exact copies of your favorite plants.
Community: Share cuttings with friends and neighbors to spread the love.
Tips for Successful Propagation
To ensure your cuttings thrive, keep these best practices in mind:
Timing Matters: Take cuttings in the plant’s active growing season (spring or summer for most).
Use Sharp Tools: Clean, sharp scissors or pruners prevent damage and disease.
Rooting Hormone: While optional, it can speed up rooting for trickier plants like roses or hydrangeas.
Patience: Some plants root in days, others take weeks—don’t rush the process.
Water Wisely: Keep soil moist but not soggy, or change water regularly if rooting in a glass.
Turning Cuttings into a Lush Backyard
Once your cuttings have rooted and started growing, it’s time to design your garden space
