Foliage Plant Propagation Guide: Cuttings, Division & Air Layering

Propagating your own houseplants is one of the great joys of plant keeping. By choosing the right method for each plant, even beginners can achieve good success rates.

Stem Cuttings

The most common propagation method. A section of stem is cut and rooted.

Basic Steps: 1. Cut 10-15cm of stem from the tip using clean scissors 2. Remove all but 2-3 lower leaves 3. Let the cut end dry for 1-2 hours (several days for succulents and caudex plants) 4. Insert into cutting mix (akadama soil, vermiculite, etc.) 5. Keep in bright indirect light and water when soil is dry 6. Rooting takes 2-6 weeks

Plants suited for cuttings: Pothos, Syngonium, Dracaena, Ficus, Pachira, Monstera (top cutting)

Tip: Applying rooting hormone (such as Rootone) to the cut end improves success rates.

Division

This method involves splitting a mature plant at the roots. Relatively easy with well-established root systems.

Basic Steps: 1. Remove the entire plant from its pot and loosen the root ball 2. Find natural separation points and divide by hand or with a clean knife 3. Allow cut surfaces to dry before planting in new pots 4. Avoid direct sunlight for 1-2 weeks after repotting; keep the plant undisturbed while roots settle

Plants suited for division: Adiantum (Maidenhair Fern), Strelitzia, Areca Palm, ferns, Aloe

Air Layering

This method encourages roots to form on a stem section before cutting it from the parent. Ideal for rejuvenating plants with thick trunks.

Basic Steps: 1. Remove a 3-5cm ring of bark at the desired rooting point (ring barking) 2. Wrap the exposed area generously with moist sphagnum moss 3. Seal tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap 4. Roots appear in 4-8 weeks. Cut the stem below the roots once they're visible through the moss 5. Plant in a pot and keep in bright indirect light

Plants suited for air layering: Ficus Benjamina, Rubber Plant, Dracaena, Yucca

Water Propagation

This method roots cuttings in water. The advantage is being able to visually monitor root development.

• Pothos, Philodendron: The easiest method. Cut below a leaf node and place in a glass of water
• Transplant to soil once roots are 2-3cm long
• Keep in a bright location out of direct sunlight

Find Houseplants on Bri-Choku

In the Houseplants category, you can purchase healthy seedlings propagated by growers. You can also list your own propagated plants for sale, making it a great way to share your plant growing success.