If you love houseplants but aren’t sure where to start with growing your collection, propagating is a simple and rewarding way to expand your indoor garden. It’s easier than you might think, and many plants are surprisingly forgiving when it comes to reproducing. Propagating can also be a fun way to share plants with friends or give new life to a plant that might be looking a little tired.
Some houseplants are naturally more suited to propagation, making it even simpler for beginners. With just a few basic tools and a bit of patience, you can watch new plants grow from cuttings and roots. These 20 plants are some of the easiest to propagate, meaning you’ll have a thriving collection in no time, all while enjoying the process of growing new plants from the ones you already love.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are adored for their easy propagation and charming appearance. Known for their arching, green and white striped leaves, these plants produce small plantlets or ‘spiderettes’ that dangle from the mother plant. Gently remove these plantlets and place them in water or soil. Within weeks, roots will develop, making it easy to start a new plant. This method is perfect for beginners, as it requires minimal maintenance. Spider plants also thrive in indirect sunlight and are forgiving if you miss a watering session, making them ideal for busy individuals.
Pothos
Pothos, with their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, are a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts. To propagate, simply snip a vine below a node and place it in water. Roots will appear in a couple of weeks, ready to be potted in soil. Pothos are resilient and can thrive in various lighting conditions, from low light to bright, indirect sunlight. They are also known for purifying indoor air, making them both a decorative and functional addition to any home. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth, adding to their appeal.
Succulents
Succulents are a diverse group of plants known for their fleshy leaves and water-storing capabilities. Propagating succulents is a delightful process. Simply remove a healthy leaf from the plant, let it callous over for a day or two, then place it on well-draining soil. Mist lightly and watch as tiny roots and new rosettes form. Succulents thrive in bright, indirect light and require less water than most houseplants, making them perfect for forgetful waterers. With their unique shapes and colors, succulents are a versatile choice for any plant lover.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, with its glossy, dark green leaves, is a model of low-maintenance beauty. For propagation, cut a stem or leaf and let it dry before placing it in water or soil. Roots will gradually develop, signaling a successful propagation. ZZ plants are highly tolerant of low light and infrequent watering, making them ideal for offices or homes with less natural light. Their sturdy leaves can withstand neglect, and their slow growth ensures they maintain their shape over time, providing a lasting touch of greenery.
Snake Plant
Snake plants are celebrated for their architectural elegance and hardy nature. To propagate, cut a leaf near the base and insert it into water or soil. New roots will form in a few weeks, creating a new plant. These plants thrive in a variety of lighting conditions, from low light to full sun, and require minimal watering, making them suitable for beginners. Additionally, snake plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, reducing toxins and improving indoor air quality. With their sculptural leaves, they add a modern touch to any space.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is not only valued for its soothing gel but also for its easy propagation. Simply remove an offset or ‘pup’ from the base of the plant and plant it in well-draining soil. Aloe vera thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires infrequent watering, allowing the soil to dry between sessions. Its fleshy leaves store water, making it drought-tolerant. Ideal for sunny windowsills, aloe vera doubles as a natural remedy for burns and skin irritation, providing practical benefits alongside its decorative appeal.
Jade Plant
Jade plants, with their thick, oval leaves and sturdy stems, symbolize luck and prosperity. To propagate, remove a leaf or stem cutting and let it dry before placing it in soil. Jade plants prefer bright, indirect light and need to dry out between watering sessions. This slow-growing succulent is perfect for beginners due to its forgiving nature and low maintenance requirements. Over time, jade plants can develop into small trees, offering a unique, bonsai-like appearance that adds charm to tabletops or window sills.
English Ivy
English ivy, known for its trailing vines and lush foliage, is an excellent choice for propagation. Simply take a cutting with several leaves, remove the lower ones, and place the stem in water. Roots will form in a few weeks, ready to be planted in soil. English ivy thrives in bright, indirect light but can adapt to lower light conditions. Its cascading growth makes it perfect for hanging baskets or as a ground cover, providing a classic, elegant touch to any interior or exterior setting.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are beloved for their glossy leaves and elegant white blooms. To propagate, divide the plant at the roots, ensuring each section has several leaves and roots. Peace lilies prefer low to medium, indirect light and require consistent moisture. They are excellent at improving indoor air quality, making them both beautiful and functional. With their graceful appearance and easy care, peace lilies add a touch of tranquility to any room, perfect for those seeking a calming atmosphere. They also signal when they need watering by drooping, a helpful feature for plant owners.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fiddle leaf figs are admired for their large, violin-shaped leaves and are surprisingly easy to propagate. Take a cutting with a node and place it in water until roots form. These plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight and prefer a consistent watering schedule, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Fiddle leaf figs add a bold, modern look to interiors and are perfect for those looking to make a statement with their greenery. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages healthy growth.
Monstera
Monsteras, with their iconic split leaves, are a favorite for creating a jungle-like atmosphere indoors. To propagate, cut a stem below an aerial root and place it in water. Once roots develop, transfer to soil. Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect light and appreciate humidity, making them ideal for bathrooms or kitchens. Their large leaves make a dramatic statement, and they can grow quite large, so ensure ample space for them to flourish. With proper care, monsteras become a stunning focal point in any room, enhancing your indoor plant collection.
Rubber Plant
Rubber plants are cherished for their glossy, deep green leaves and easy propagation. Take a cutting from a healthy stem and place it in water or soil. Roots will develop in a few weeks, ready to be potted. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch. Rubber plants are excellent at removing toxins from the air, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. Their bold, upright growth adds a modern touch to interior decor, making them a popular choice for design enthusiasts.
Philodendron
Philodendrons, especially the heartleaf variety, are celebrated for their easy care and propagation. Simply snip a stem cutting with a few leaves and place it in water or directly in soil. Roots will form quickly, making it a rewarding process for plant lovers. These plants thrive in low to bright, indirect light, adapting well to various conditions. Philodendrons are perfect for adding greenery to small spaces, with their trailing vines creating a lush, verdant look. They’re also effective at purifying the air, enhancing both aesthetics and health in your living space.
Begonia
Begonias are known for their vibrant blooms and decorative foliage, making them a delightful addition to any plant collection. Propagation is simple: take a leaf cutting and place it in water or soil. Begonias prefer bright, indirect light and require regular watering, but allow the soil to dry slightly between sessions. With their ability to thrive indoors or out, begonias provide versatility and beauty. The wide variety of leaf shapes and colors makes each plant unique, offering endless possibilities for personalization and creativity in arranging your indoor garden.
Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese money plant, or Pilea, is loved for its round, flat leaves and easy propagation. Remove an offset from the mother plant and place it in water or directly in soil. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and requires moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Known for its fast growth, the Chinese money plant quickly fills spaces with its charming foliage. Its symmetrical shape and cheerful appearance make it a popular choice for windowsills or desks, adding a touch of nature to any workspace or living area.
Cast Iron Plant
The cast iron plant, renowned for its resilience, is perfect for those new to propagation. Simply divide the plant at the roots and pot the sections separately. It thrives in low to moderate light and is incredibly drought-tolerant, needing minimal care. This plant’s long, tough leaves add a touch of greenery to darker corners of your home, where other plants might struggle. Its hardy nature means it can withstand a variety of conditions, making it a reliable choice for anyone looking to add greenery without the fuss of constant maintenance.
Mint
Mint is a culinary favorite, known for its refreshing aroma and flavor. It’s also incredibly easy to propagate. Simply take a cutting with a few leaves and place it in water until roots form. Mint thrives in bright, indirect light and needs regular watering, so keep the soil consistently moist. Once established, mint can quickly spread, making it perfect for kitchen herb gardens. Its versatility extends beyond the kitchen, as mint can also be used in teas and cocktails, offering fresh flavor and fragrance for various uses.
Christmas Cactus
The Christmas cactus, with its segmented stems and vibrant blooms, is a beloved holiday plant. To propagate, break off a stem segment and let it dry before planting in soil. This cactus thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers a humid environment. Regular watering is essential, but allow the soil to dry slightly between sessions. Known for its winter blooms, the Christmas cactus adds color to your home during the colder months. Its easy propagation and care make it a popular choice for gifting or expanding your plant collection with minimal effort.
Boston Fern
Boston ferns are celebrated for their feathery, arching fronds and classic elegance. Propagate by dividing the plant at the roots and potting separately. These ferns thrive in bright, indirect light and high humidity, making them ideal for bathrooms or shaded patios. Regular watering and misting help maintain their lush appearance. Boston ferns are perfect for adding a touch of greenery to any space, whether hanging in baskets or perched on shelves. Their graceful foliage enhances the aesthetics of interiors, making them a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts.
Arrowhead Plant
Arrowhead plants, with their distinct arrow-shaped leaves, are easy to propagate and care for. Take a cutting with a few leaves and place it in water; roots will form within a couple of weeks. These plants thrive in bright, indirect light and need regular watering to maintain their lush appearance. As they grow, they can be trained to climb or allowed to trail, offering versatile styling options. Arrowhead plants are perfect for adding texture and interest to indoor spaces, making them a popular choice for both novice and experienced plant lovers.