What is Propagation?

Propagation may sound intimidating at first, but it's not too overwhelming when you get to the "root" of it. Just the act of taking seeds, a clipping, or root cuttings from a mother plant, and creating another plant from it!

The most common form of propagation is using stem cuttings roughly five to six inches long and with at least one node* and leaving it to then grow in water.

*The slight knot in the plant where new leaves and roots have the potential to grow from.

Know Before You Grow

First off it's important to note that not all plants can be propagated by cutting them and placing them in water. One example is a Peace Lily, which is an exemplary houseplant, but the best way to propagate them is by dividing them at the roots and repotting the divisions. Other plants, like succulents, can be easily propagated by simply trimming some leaves off (as close as possible to the stem is best) and laying them on some soil, with occasional misting. Essentially, research your plant and the best way to propagate before wildly trimming it.

Secondly, it's important to set up the right environment for your propagation station. Often a windowsill gets the job done, but extra humidity for propagations in soil help promote success. Once the clippings are set up there are important signs to watch out for, brown and crispy leaves may mean it needs more moisture, or even clippings that are in water can often grow harmful bacteria. This bacteria tends to focus around the roots and can be slimy, but by simply washing the plant and its container, and changing the water once a week can help prevent this. Regularly checking in on these new and developing plants will help your plants flourish!
 

Happy Propagating!