The easiest way to start new plants is by rooting cuttings. Many of the commonly grown plants such as African Violets, Coleus, Pothos, Philodendrons and Wandering Jews can be started from cuttings. Not only is it one of the easiest way to start more plants but it can usually be done in a relatively short time.

African Violets are a very popular flowering house plant which will flower and remain healthy with a minimal amount of light. They can be started from a leaf cutting and make very good inexpensive gifts. To take a cutting just remove a mature leaf from a healthy plant. It should have about two inches of leaf stalk. Fill a small container to within one inch of the top with a soil mix which has good drainage. Then carefully push the leaf stalk about one half its length down into the media. Within a few weeks a new plant will form at the base of the leaf. When the new plant is well formed it can be transplanted into its own pot. The original leaf can be removed.

Coleus, Pothos, Philodendrons and Wandering Jews are all started from stem cuttings. This process will occur more quickly than rooting African violets from leaf cuttings. Coleus may easily root within 7-10 days. Don't get impatient. As long as a cutting does not wilt, it is fine. Use a sharp knife or razor blade to take 3-5 inch tip cuttings from the parent plant. Cut slightly below the point where a leaf is attached to the stem. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting. Insert the cutting about half its length into your rooting media. Sand or a potting soil with good drainage makes a good rooting media. Water the cutting lightly and put the container in a spot with good light but not hot sun. In about two weeks check for rooting by giving the cutting a slight tug. Once the cutting is well rooted it can be transplanted into well drained potting soil.

This page was last updated April 2003

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