Why Choose Cuttings Over Full-Grown Plants?
When you’re considering adding new plants to your collection, you might wonder why you should opt for cuttings rather than purchasing full-grown plants. Here’s why:
- Cost-Effective: Cuttings are often much cheaper than fully grown plants. You get more plants for less money.
- Growth Experience: Watching a plant grow from a cutting is incredibly rewarding. It gives you a deeper connection with your plant.
- Space-Saving: Cuttings take up less space initially, making them easier to manage and care for.
- High Success Rate: Many plants root quickly and easily from cuttings, meaning you’ll have a high chance of success.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a fantastic choice for anyone new to growing plants from cuttings. This hardy plant is known for its beautiful, trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves. Pothos cuttings root easily in water or soil and thrive in low to bright indirect light. Within weeks, you’ll see new roots and leaves forming.
Care Tips:
- Place your Pothos in a jar of water or directly into moist soil.
- Ensure the cutting gets indirect sunlight for optimal growth.
- Water once the top inch of soil feels dry.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is another excellent option for propagation through cuttings. It produces “pups” or small plantlets that can be easily snipped off and replanted. These resilient plants are perfect for hanging baskets or as part of a plant shelf.
Care Tips:
- Cut the plantlets from the mother plant and place them in water until roots develop.
- Transplant the rooted cuttings into soil, and place them in bright, indirect light.
- Water when the soil is partially dry to the touch.
3. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata):Cuttings
Jade Plants are succulents that are incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings. Their thick, fleshy leaves store water, making them low-maintenance and perfect for beginners. A single leaf or stem cutting can grow into a full, lush plant over time.
Care Tips:
- Allow the cut end of the cutting to dry out and callous for a few days.
- Plant the cutting in well-draining soil and place it in a sunny spot.
- Water sparingly, as Jade Plants are prone to rot if overwatered.
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Snake Plants are known for their striking, upright leaves and air-purifying qualities. They are also incredibly easy to propagate. Simply cut a leaf into sections, and each section can become a new plant!
Care Tips:
- Cut a healthy leaf into 2-3 inch sections.
- Let the cuttings dry for a day before placing them in water or soil.
- Place in indirect light and water sparingly.
5. Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant): Cuttings
Monstera Deliciosa is a trendy houseplant, beloved for its large, split leaves. Propagating Monstera from cuttings is a popular way to share this beauty with friends or expand your collection. (the cutting in the picture does not have a node on it. Make sure you include a node it you want roots to grow.)
Care Tips:
- Take a cutting that includes a node (a small bump on the stem where roots will grow).
- Place the cutting in water until roots develop, then transfer it to soil.
- Keep the plant in bright, indirect light and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a versatile plant that grows quickly and is perfect for hanging baskets or climbing trellises. It roots easily from cuttings and can thrive in a variety of light conditions.
Care Tips:
- Cut a section of the vine with several leaves and a node.
- Place the cutting in water or soil, ensuring the node is buried.
- Water regularly, keeping the soil slightly moist but not soggy.
7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is nearly indestructible, making it an ideal choice for those new to plant care. Its glossy leaves can be propagated through leaf or stem cuttings with little effort.
Care Tips:
- Cut a healthy stem with leaves attached and let it dry for a day.
- Plant the cutting in well-draining soil, and place it in indirect light.
- Water only when the soil is completely dry.
8. Begonias: Cuttings
Begonias are stunning plants that offer vibrant, colorful foliage and flowers. They can be propagated from stem or leaf cuttings, making them a great addition to your indoor garden.
Care Tips:
- Take a cutting with at least one node and place it in water or soil.
- Begonias prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
9. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
The Rubber Plant is a bold, statement-making houseplant with thick, glossy leaves. Propagating this plant from cuttings is straightforward and rewarding.
Care Tips:
- Cut a healthy stem with a few leaves attached.
- Place the cutting in water or directly into soil.
- Ensure it gets bright, indirect light and water when the top layer of soil is dry.
10. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina): Cuttings
The Wandering Jew is a colorful, trailing plant that is easy to propagate from cuttings. Its vibrant purple and green leaves make it a striking addition to any home.
Care Tips:
- Cut a section of the stem with at least one node and place it in water or soil.
- Provide bright, indirect light for the best color.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
11. Peperomias
Peperomia plants are small, attractive houseplants with a variety of leaf shapes and colors. They can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings, making them a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.
Care Tips:
- Take a healthy leaf cutting and plant it in moist soil.
- Peperomias thrive in medium to bright indirect light.
- Water when the soil is dry, and avoid overwatering.
12. Coleus
Coleus plants are known for their vibrant, colorful foliage. They are incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings, making them perfect for adding a splash of color to your indoor or outdoor garden.
Care Tips:
- Take a cutting just below a leaf node and remove the lower leaves.
- Place the cutting in water or directly into moist soil.
- Keep the plant in bright, indirect light and water regularly.
13. Philodendrons: Cuttings
Philodendrons are beloved for their heart-shaped leaves and easy-going nature. These plants are incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings, which root quickly in water or soil.
Care Tips:
- Take a cutting with at least one node and place it in water or soil.
- Provide bright, indirect light for the best growth.
- Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
14. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
The String of Pearls is a unique and charming succulent with trailing strands of bead-like leaves. It’s easy to propagate from cuttings, making it a delightful addition to your plant collection.
Care Tips:
- Cut a healthy strand and place it on top of well-draining soil.
- Press the nodes lightly into the soil and water sparingly.
- Place in bright, indirect light and allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
15. Aloe Vera: Cuttings
Aloe Vera is not only a popular houseplant but also a useful one, known for its soothing gel. Propagating Aloe from cuttings or “pups” is a simple process that results in more Aloe plants for your home.
Care Tips:
- Remove a pup or take a leaf cutting from the base of the plant.
- Allow the cut end to dry and callous over before planting in well-draining soil.
- Place in a sunny spot and water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Conclusion
Bringing plants into your home as cuttings is a fulfilling and budget-friendly way to expand your collection. Whether you choose easy-to-grow plants like Pothos or the striking Monstera, these plants will not only beautify your space but also provide a sense of accomplishment as you watch them thrive. With the right care, these cuttings will grow into lush, full plants that enhance your living environment.
If you’re ready to start your journey with plant cuttings, any of these 15 options are sure to bring life and beauty to your home. Happy planting!
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