How to Propagate Plants Successfully: Methods, Substrates, and FAQs
Plant propagation is one of the most rewarding parts of plant care. Whether you’re looking to expand your collection, share cuttings with friends, or simply learn a new skill, propagation allows you to grow new plants from existing ones.
The process may sound intimidating at first, but with the right techniques and propagation substrates, anyone can succeed. This guide covers the basics of how to propagate plants, which substrates and mixes work best, where to cut for propagation, how rooting gels work, and answers to some of the most common questions about this topic.
What Is Plant Propagation
Plant propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Most houseplants can be propagated through cuttings, which involves taking a piece of the plant—such as a stem, leaf, or division—and encouraging it to grow roots and new shoots.
The two most common methods of propagation are:
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Water Propagation: Placing cuttings in water until roots form.
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Soilless or Substrate Propagation: Rooting cuttings directly in a propagation mix such as coconut coir, sphagnum moss, or LECA.
Both methods can be effective, but the right choice depends on the type of plant and your growing setup.
The Best Substrates for Plant Propagation
The substrate, or rooting medium, is the key to successful propagation. The best propagation mixes balance moisture retention with aeration, allowing new roots to develop without rotting.
Common Soilless Mixes
Coconut Coir and Perlite
Coir holds moisture while staying breathable. Perlite improves drainage and prevents compaction. This sustainable mix works well for most houseplant cuttings.
Coconut Coir, Perlite, and Vermiculite
Vermiculite adds extra water and nutrient retention. Excellent for plants that need steady, consistent moisture such as begonias or calatheas.
Aroid Mix
Typically made with orchid bark, sphagnum moss, and perlite or pumice. Provides excellent airflow and mimics the natural environment of tropical plants. Ideal for monstera, philodendron, and other aroids.
Orchid Bark and Sphagnum Moss
Bark keeps the mix airy, while sphagnum moss gently retains water. Great for semi-epiphytic plants like hoyas and anthuriums.
Other Substrate Options
Sphagnum Moss
Lightweight and airy, sphagnum moss holds moisture well and encourages fast root growth. Best for delicate cuttings but can be difficult to remove from roots later.
Water
Water propagation is simple, inexpensive, and allows you to see roots forming. However, water-formed roots differ in structure from soil roots and often need time to adjust when moved into soil.
LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate)
A reusable and clean option that provides excellent aeration and drainage. LECA is especially popular for semi-hydroponic setups and long-term plant growth. It requires regular nutrient solutions for sustained health.
Comparison of Propagation Substrates
| Substrate / Mix | Benefits | Drawbacks | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut Coir + Perlite | Sustainable, good water retention, excellent drainage | May dry out faster than moss | General propagation; easy cuttings like pothos, tradescantia |
| Coir + Perlite + Vermiculite | Holds moisture and nutrients, prevents compaction | Can hold too much water if not monitored | Moisture-loving plants (begonias, calatheas) |
| Aroid Mix (bark, moss, perlite/pumice) | Excellent drainage, airy structure | Slightly more expensive, requires mixing | Aroids such as monstera, philodendron |
| Orchid Bark + Sphagnum Moss | Consistent moisture with airflow | Moss can cling to roots | Semi-epiphytes like hoyas, anthuriums |
| Sphagnum Moss (alone) | Fast root growth, sterile, lightweight | Can mold if overwatered | Delicate or moisture-loving cuttings |
| Water | Easy, inexpensive, visible root growth | Roots must adapt to soil | Beginners; pothos, coleus |
| LECA | Reusable, clean, highly aerated | Requires nutrients | Semi-hydro setups, rot-prone plants |
Where to Cut for Plant Propagation
One of the most common questions about propagation is: Where should I cut the plant? The answer depends on the type of plant you’re propagating, because different plants store their growth nodes in different places. Cutting in the right spot is essential—without a node or growth point, your cutting cannot produce roots.
Why the Cutting Point Matters
Roots develop from nodes or meristematic tissue on the plant. A node is usually a small bump, line, or joint where leaves or roots naturally grow. If you cut above or below the wrong spot, your cutting may not develop roots at all.
General Guidelines by Plant Type
Vining Plants (Pothos, Philodendron, Tradescantia)
Cut just below a node, making sure the node is included in the cutting. Nodes often appear where a leaf meets the stem, sometimes with aerial roots starting to form.
Succulents (Echeveria, Jade, String of Pearls)
Many succulents root from a single leaf cutting or a stem segment. For leaves, gently twist off a full, undamaged leaf and allow it to callus before placing on soil. For stems, cut a healthy piece and let it dry for a few days before rooting.
Begonias and Leaf-Propagating Plants (Rex Begonia, Peperomia, African Violet)
Some plants root from leaves rather than stems. For leaf propagation, cut a mature leaf and make small incisions along the main veins before pressing it onto moist soil or moss. For petiole cuttings, include the short leaf stem and insert it into the medium. Small plantlets will form along the veins over time.
Woody or Shrubby Houseplants (Ficus, Schefflera, Hibiscus)
Take stem cuttings that include a few leaves and at least one node. Cut just below the node, and consider using rooting hormone for best results.
Herbs and Soft-Stemmed Plants (Mint, Basil, Coleus)
Cut just above a leaf node so the parent plant can regrow, and ensure the cutting includes several inches of stem with at least one node.
Aroids (Monstera, Philodendron, Syngonium)
Look for a node with an aerial root nub (the small brown bump or root sticking out). Cut just below this node for the fastest rooting.
Division and Rhizome Propagation (Peace Lily, Calathea, ZZ Plant, Sansevieria)
Some plants propagate by division rather than cuttings. Separate the root ball gently, ensuring each division has roots and a growth point.
Key takeaway: Always include at least one node or viable growth point on your cutting, and make clean cuts with sterilized tools to reduce the risk of rot or infection.
Rooting Gels: Why They Work and How to Use Them
While many plants root successfully without assistance, rooting gels can significantly increase success rates—especially for plants that are slower to root or prone to rot.
What Is Rooting Gel
Rooting gels are propagation aids containing natural or synthetic auxins such as indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA). These plant hormones encourage the cells near the cut site to divide and form new roots. The gel coats the cutting, seals the wound, and keeps the hormone in place, reducing infection risk and dehydration.
Benefits of Rooting Gel
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Speeds up root initiation and development
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Increases success rates for woody or semi-woody cuttings
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Reduces fungal and bacterial infection at the wound site
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Encourages stronger, more uniform root systems
The Evolve i-Rooting Gel System
At Urbane Eight, we carry the Evolve i-Rooting Gel series (#1, #2, and #3)—a professional-grade system that allows you to match the correct hormone strength to your cutting type. Using the appropriate gel ensures the cutting receives enough stimulation without damaging sensitive tissue.
Evolve i-Rooting Gel #1 – For Softwood and Herbaceous Cuttings
Formulated for tender green tissue such as coleus, basil, mint, pothos, and philodendron. This low-strength IBA formula promotes quick root initiation while remaining gentle on soft tissue.
Best for: Soft-stemmed herbs, vining houseplants, and tropical foliage.
Evolve i-Rooting Gel #2 – For Semi-Hardwood Cuttings
Medium-strength rooting gel designed for semi-woody cuttings such as hoya, ficus, schefflera, and hibiscus. The balanced hormone concentration encourages faster root development without stressing the plant.
Best for: Shrubby or moderately woody plants.
Evolve i-Rooting Gel #3 – For Hardwood Cuttings
The strongest formulation in the series, created for hardwood or lignified cuttings that naturally resist rooting. Its higher IBA concentration helps overcome dormancy and stimulate robust root growth.
Best for: Mature shrubs, trees, and woody indoor species such as rubber plant or jasmine.
How to Use Rooting Gel
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Take a clean cutting with at least one node.
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Dip the cut end 1–2 cm into the gel, coating the node area evenly.
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Insert the treated cutting into your propagation medium (soil, coir, moss, or perlite).
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Maintain warmth, humidity, and bright, indirect light until roots form.
Avoid dipping multiple cuttings directly into the same container; instead, pour a small amount into a separate dish to prevent contamination.
When to Use Rooting Gels
Rooting gels are optional for easy-rooting species such as pothos or coleus but are especially useful for:
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Woody, semi-woody, or mature cuttings
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Slow-to-root species or rare cultivars
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Cuttings propagated during cooler months
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Plants with high susceptibility to rot or fungal infection
Quick Reference: Which Evolve Gel to Use
| Product | Plant Type | Cutting Type | Example Species |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evolve i-Rooting Gel #1 | Softwood | Soft-stemmed | Pothos, Philodendron, Coleus, Mint, Basil |
| Evolve i-Rooting Gel #2 | Semi-Hardwood | Semi-woody | Ficus, Schefflera, Hoya, Hibiscus |
| Evolve i-Rooting Gel #3 | Hardwood | Woody or lignified | Ficus elastica, Jasmine, Shrubs, Trees |
Tips for Successful Plant Propagation
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Match the substrate and rooting hormone strength to the plant type.
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Keep tools and containers clean to prevent contamination.
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Maintain consistent humidity and gentle airflow.
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Transition carefully from water or moss to soil to reduce shock.
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Avoid overwatering—cuttings fail more often from excess moisture than dryness.
Common Questions About Plant Propagation
How long does it take for cuttings to root?
Soft cuttings such as pothos or coleus can root in one to two weeks, while woody plants like ficus may take several months.
Is water propagation or substrate propagation better?
Water propagation is beginner-friendly, but substrate propagation typically produces stronger, soil-adapted roots.
Can all plants be propagated from cuttings?
No. Some plants, like palms and ferns, cannot be propagated from cuttings and must be grown from seed, spores, or division.
Do I need rooting hormone?
It isn’t always required but can dramatically improve results for woody or slow-rooting species.
What are the easiest plants to propagate?
Pothos, tradescantia, spider plants, and coleus are among the easiest and most forgiving.
Quick Reference: Propagation Methods by Plant Type
| Plant Type | Best Propagation Method | Rooting Medium | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos, Philodendron, Tradescantia | Stem cutting (below node) | Water, moss, or coir mix | Include node in cutting |
| Monstera, Syngonium | Stem cutting with aerial root | Water or moss | Node must be present |
| Begonias, Peperomia, African Violet | Leaf or petiole cutting | Moist soil or moss | Plantlets form from veins |
| Ficus, Schefflera, Hibiscus | Stem cutting | Coir-perlite mix | Use rooting gel for best results |
| Succulents, Jade, Echeveria | Leaf or stem cutting | Cactus or succulent mix | Allow cut to callus first |
| Mint, Basil, Coleus | Soft stem cutting | Water or soil | Root easily; bright indirect light |
| ZZ Plant, Calathea, Peace Lily | Division | Soil or coir mix | Each section must have roots |
| Snake Plant (Sansevieria) | Leaf or rhizome division | Soil or water | Slow but reliable rooting |
Final Thoughts
Propagation is both an art and a science. With the right cutting technique, substrate, and aftercare, anyone can multiply their plant collection. Whether you prefer the simplicity of water propagation, the consistency of sphagnum moss, or the sustainability of a coir and perlite mix, success comes from balancing moisture, airflow, and patience.
Using the correct rooting gel—like Evolve i-Rooting Gel #1, #2, or #3—gives your cuttings the best possible start, ensuring faster root formation, lower failure rates, and stronger plants for the long run.