- How to choose the right plant and cutting
- Exactly how to root a stem cutting step-by-step
- What to do after planting
- How to avoid common mistakes
Introduction to Stem Cuttings
Want to grow a brand-new plant from a single stem? Stem cuttings are your shortcut to success. This simple propagation method allows you to multiply your plants without seeds—just a sharp tool, a healthy stem, and a bit of patience.
A stem cutting is a portion of a plant stem removed and encouraged to grow roots, creating a genetically identical plant. It’s a form of vegetative propagation, and one of the most accessible ways to clone your favorite houseplants and herbs.
Why is this method so popular? It’s fast, cost-effective, and works well for a wide range of houseplants, garden plants, and herbs. Whether you’re trying to fill your indoor space with greenery or produce plants to share or sell, this guide gives you all the steps you need to succeed.
Want to learn about other propagation methods like division or layering? Check out our full guide to plant propagation techniques.
Choosing and Preparing Cuttings
Which Plants Work Best?
- Pothos
- Mint
- Coleus
- Rosemary
- Philodendron
- Begonia
Tools You’ll Need
- Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors
- A container with water or well-draining soil mix
- Rooting hormone (optional, but recommended for woody plants)
- Labels or tags if propagating multiple varieties
How to Select and Prepare the Stem Cutting
Choose a healthy stem that’s non-flowering and 4–6 inches long. Look for vigorous, green stems with no signs of disease or pests. Make your cut just below a node (the spot where leaves grow from the stem) at a 45-degree angle—it increases surface area for root growth.
Remove the lower leaves, keeping 2–3 up top to maintain photosynthesis. This helps reduce moisture loss while your cutting focuses on root development.
Optional: Use Rooting Hormone
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder or gel to stimulate faster and stronger root growth. It’s especially effective for woody stems like rosemary or lavender. Tap off excess before placing in your chosen medium.
Rooting Medium and Conditions
Soil vs. Water Rooting
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Water Rooting |
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| Soil Rooting |
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Choosing the Right Soil Mix
Use a light, sterile, well-draining medium such as a mix of perlite and peat moss or a seed-starting mix. Avoid heavy garden soil that retains too much moisture and could cause rot.
Containers & Setup
- Use glass jars or cups for water propagation.
- Choose small, clean nursery pots with drainage holes for soil propagation.
- Label containers if propagating multiple types.
Ideal Growing Conditions
- Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight — avoid direct afternoon exposure
- Humidity: Use a humidity dome or loosely cover cuttings with a clear plastic bag to maintain moisture
Timeline for Rooting
Most cuttings begin to form roots within 2–6 weeks depending on the plant species and environment. Herbs like mint root quickly (1–2 weeks), while woody plants like rosemary may take a month or more.
Planting and Aftercare
When to Transplant
Cuttings are ready for transplanting when new roots are at least 1–2 inches long and white or cream in color. Avoid transplanting too soon—strong roots improve survival rates.
How to Plant Rooted Cuttings
- Prepare a small pot with quality potting soil.
- Make a hole in the soil using a pencil or stick.
- Gently guide the cutting into the hole, handling by the stem (not the roots).
- Firm the soil lightly around the base and water gently.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Overwatering can lead to rot, especially before the plant is established.
Lighting
Bright, indirect light is ideal. Acclimate gradually if moving to stronger light conditions over time.
Fertilizing
Wait until you notice new leaves or noticeable growth. Start with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 at half strength) once every few weeks.
Long-Term Care Tips
- Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth
- Monitor for pests like aphids or spider mites
- Harden off before moving outdoors permanently
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
Mistakes to Avoid
- Taking cuttings from flowering stems — diverts energy from root formation
- Using dirty shears — can spread bacteria or fungi
- Leaving too many leaves attached — increases transpiration loss
- Overwatering the cutting — roots need oxygen as well as water
- Skipping the acclimatization step when transplanting rooted cuttings
Troubleshooting Guide
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting is wilting | Low humidity or dry medium | Cover with plastic bag and mist lightly |
| No roots after 4+ weeks | Insufficient light or wrong medium | Try moving to brighter location or switch from water to soil |
| Roots turning brown | Rot due to overwatering | Improve drainage and let medium dry slightly between waterings |
How to Build This in Make.com
If you’re selling propagated plants and want to automate your tracking or customer updates using Make.com (formerly Integromat), here’s a basic setup:
- Trigger: Google Sheets — “New Row Added” (tracks when a new cutting is logged)
- Module 1: Filter by plant type or propagation method (e.g., soil vs. water)
- Module 2: Add delay module to send reminder in 3 weeks for root check
- Module 3: Send update via Gmail or SMS (e.g., “Check mint cuttings for root growth today!”)
- Module 4 (optional): Add new cutting to Notion or Airtable propagation database
Conclusion
Propagating plants from stem cuttings is a satisfying, budget-friendly way to grow your collection or share favorite plants with friends. Remember to start with healthy plant material, choose the right medium, maintain the proper conditions—and have fun experimenting.
Try propagating one of your favorite plants this week—start small and see what grows!
Have tips or questions to share? Leave a comment and let us know your favorite plants to propagate!
