# Propagation 101: Multiply Your Plant Collection for Free Why buy new plants when you can make them? Propagation is easier than you think. ## Methods of Propagation ### 1. Stem Cuttings (Most Common) Best for: Pothos, Philodendron, Monstera, Tradescantia **Steps:** 1. Cut a healthy stem below a node (the bump where leaves grow) 2. Remove lower leaves, keeping 2-3 at the top 3. Place in water or moist soil 4. Keep in bright, indirect light 5. Change water weekly if propagating in water 6. Roots should appear in 2-4 weeks ### 2. Division Best for: Snake plant, peace lily, fern, prayer plant **Steps:** 1. Remove plant from pot 2. Gently separate root clumps 3. Ensure each division has roots and leaves 4. Pot each division separately 5. Water well and keep humid ### 3. Leaf Cuttings Best for: Succulents, begonia, African violet **Steps:** 1. Remove a healthy leaf 2. Let the cut end callous for a day 3. Place on top of moist soil 4. Mist regularly 5. New plantlets will grow from the base ### 4. Offsets/Pups Best for: Spider plant, aloe vera, bromeliads **Steps:** 1. Wait until pup has its own roots 2. Cut or twist gently from parent 3. Pot in fresh soil 4. Water lightly ## Tips for Success - Use clean, sharp scissors or secateurs - Rooting hormone powder speeds things up (but isn't essential) - Keep propagations warm (20-25°C ideal) - Be patient – some plants take weeks to root - Not every cutting will succeed – take several ## Best Plants to Start With 1. Pothos – Roots incredibly easily in water 2. Spider plant – Just pot the babies 3. Succulents – Leaves grow new plants 4. Tradescantia – Roots in days 5. Snake plant – Division is foolproof Start propagating and share the plant love with friends!