Increase your plant fold for FREE with a bit of time and a pair of scissors

The only thing more satisfying than buying a new plant is getting a new plant for free. Now there are probably a lot of interesting ways you can get your hands on a free plant, but the easiest way to do so just involves a pair of scissors, water, a glass container, one of your favorite plants and time. Yep, we’re talking about propagation, aka increasing your plant fold using parts of — you guessed it — your plants! While I’m by no means an expert, this post focuses on the tips and tricks I’ve found successful using this method.

Although water is just one form propagation, it’s probably the most recommended due to its relative ease and low costs, making it an accessible project for green thumbs of all levels. It’s also one of the better ways to monitor the progress of your growing plant thanks to visible roots peaking through glass containers, or the ability to pull the plant from its receptacle. The main caveat for this method (and propagation in general) is that you’ll need to have some patience. Some plants may start rooting within a few days, while others may take months before you see any signs of growth. There are ways to speed up the process, which we’ll get into in a bit, but even those have their limitations.
Propagating Steps
The plant
To start your propagation project, the first thing you need is an understanding of where to cut your plant. You are looking for plant nodes, which are pimple-like bump that protrude from a plant’s stem. These bumps are pivotal areas where roots, stems and leaves grow out from, and without them, your plant might grow roots, but it won’t sprout new leaves.
Cuts should be made just below the node, and can be found throughout the stem of your plant. The ideal piece should have a good-sized amount of the stem, and remove any leaves that fall below the water line to prevent them from rotting.
The receptacle

From my personal experience, I’ve found that glass is the way to go for a propagation project. The transparency of a glass bottle, cup or jar allows you to see the progress of the growing roots. Glass also tends to be more durable over time, unlike plastic which can be easily susceptible to cracks and breaks, meaning you can reuse it after your propagation has outgrown it. My favorite glass options are former sparkling water bottles, mason jars, the occasional beer glass thrift store find or repurposing glass candle holders.
The water
Depending on where you live, it is highly recommended to use either filtered or distilled water versus tap water. Well water is also a viable option, if you happen to have access to it. Tap water tends to be filled with sediments and various chemicals used for purification that can be too harsh for plants, so it’s best to avoid it.

(Pro tip: Collect rain water if you can. Your plants will love you for it.)
The rooting powder
This is one of the best ways to ensure propagating success. Rooting powder is a relatively inexpensive way to jump start your plant’s growth, and it can be found at most hardware store or plant nurseries. After cutting your section of plant, you simply coat the tip of the plant node with the powder before submerging it in water. While I highly recommend rooting powder for the best possible results, it is not a necessity, as plants are still able to produce roots in water without it.
Cuts should be made just below the node, and can be found throughout the stem of your plant. The ideal piece should have a good-sized amount of the stem, and remove any leaves that fall below the water line to prevent them from rotting.

The patience
The last step in plant propagation is simply patience. Roots can begin to sprout anywhere from a few days to a few months depending on the plant and the growing conditions of your particular microclimate. This means that everything from the season, the amount of sunlight to the level of humidity in your living space can affect how your plant grows. Even though propagating plants takes an indeterminate amount of time, it is the waiting that ultimately makes it so worthwhile. In a world where we’re all so consumed with instant gratification, opportunities that allow us to slow down and actually enjoy the journey are to be cherished.

While propagation itself is relatively low maintenance, that doesn’t mean the work stops after the cuttings hit the water. In order to encourage growth through the process, be sure to change the water couple of weeks to keep the roots from sitting in stagnant water, especially as it tends collect dust, bugs and various other particles that float through the air. Also check the roots sporadically for any dead or mushy pieces, gently pruning as needed. As for leaf care, occasionally dusting will enable the plant to photosynthesize properly, ultimately providing your plants with the most nutrients possible.
Propagation is a great way for plant parents to increase their collections through easily accessible means, as well as share their verdant wealth with aspiring plant lovers. I wouldn’t be the plant owner I am today if I weren’t for the gifts of experienced green thumbs ushering in a new world for me. So the next time you’re itching to buy a new plant, or looking to gift one to a love one, grab a pair of scissors and get started on your own propagation project!
