How to speed up houseplant propagation - 5 methods to multiply your indoor plant collection quickly

There is a smarter way to approach speed houseplant propagation methods, and it starts with knowing a few key details. This guide covers them, along with tips you can apply immediately.

Key Takeaways

• My home looks more and more like an indoor jungle as the weeks go on, and it's all thanks to propagation.
• If you're just beginning to experiment with houseplant propagation, I recommend beginning with the easiest houseplants to grow from cuttings.
• Worth noting: having said that, it doesn't matter if you're growing cuttings in soil or water, there are some key houseplant propagation mistakes to avoid.
• Familiarizing myself with these mistakes has actually led me to discover how to make houseplant propagation more effective.

A Closer Look at Speed Houseplant Propagation Methods

I love being able to multiply my already-sizable houseplant collection and having gone through trial and error with houseplant propagation means I now grow new plants regularly. There are, of course, other methods to propagate houseplants - such as through division - but taking cuttings tends to be a favored method since of how straightforward it can be.

• Each houseplant cutting will take a different amount of time to develop roots, but there are some general rules to follow to speed up the process.
• Whether you're attempting to propagate a succulent or an indoor tree, the pointers below can assist you speed up houseplant propagation. (Image credit: Andriana Syvanych via Alamy)5 methods to speed up houseplant propagation There are two methods to grow houseplants from cuttings: in water and in soil.
• More importantly, while it's true specific plants will propagate better with one or the other, generally speaking both methods work well and require the same environment in order for roots to develop.
• Here are five methods you can speed up houseplant propagation, with expert pointers.

What to Know About Speed Houseplant Propagation Methods

Place your propagations in a greenhouse (Image credit: Getty Images/Westend61)In order for houseplant cuttings to develop roots, they require plenty of warmth, moisture and light. Greenhouses provide the perfect environment for this, retaining humidity and letting plenty of light in.

• Remember that 'Applying a greenhouse or a humidity dome will speed up propagation since it will ensure the humidity remains high and the roots when they begin growing don’t dry out, as roots drying out will result in propagation failure,' says Julie Bawden-Davis, indoor plant expert at Healthy Houseplants.
• If you don't have a greenhouse or simply wish to keep your propagations inside, why not try making a DIY indoor greenhouse?
• Applying jars and plastic containers can be an effective method to create a greenhouse-like environment.
• Alternatively, you can apply a range of indoor growing systems, like these cloche humidity domes from Amazon.

How Speed Houseplant Propagation Methods Really Works

As a rule, it's worth noting greenhouses work best for soil propagation since water may evaporate more fast in this environment, resulting in you having to top up your water propagation more frequently. Julie Bawden-DavisSocial Links NavigationJulie Bawden-Davis is a garden author and University of California Certified Master Gardener, who has written several gardening books, including Indoor Gardening The Organic Method.

• In addition to running HealthyHouseplants.com, she shares indoor gardening advice on her YouTube channel @HealthyHouseplants.
• Install a grow light (Image credit: Flashpop via Getty Images)Something I've found works well for houseplant propagation is a grow light.
• In short, this is especially useful when propagating houseplants during fall or winter, where the amount of natural light has been limited.
• 'Lighting can sometimes assist in propagation.

Getting the Most From Speed Houseplant Propagation Methods

It doesn’t necessarily assist with root growth, but it will keep the mother plant healthy while roots form,' notes Julie. Knowing when to apply a grow light is key, as you don't wish to waste electricity if the light isn't going to be effective.

• Worth noting: apply it to boost light levels for your cuttings, but also be sure to turn it off for an essential period of darkness that provides plants rest from photosynthesis.
• There are so numerous different grow lights now on the market.
• I like to apply a panel grow light, like this one from Amazon, to fit over multiple propagation cuttings.
• You can also invest in grow lights with red and blue light spectrums, like this at Amazon, to boost growth even further.

Tips That Make a Difference

More importantly, pick a sunny windowsill (Image credit: Dmitry Marchenko via Alamy)It's taken a bit of time to figure out the best place to propagate houseplants in my home, but, unsurprisingly, a sunny windowsill is the ideal spot. This provides cuttings with plenty of light and warmth to encourage root development.

• A south-facing window will receive the most amount of light and warmth during the day, but be aware it could also cause leaf scorch.
• You might wish to try applying these sheer curtains from Wayfair to dapple the sunlight.
• Remember that nevertheless, if you don't have a particularly sunny windowsill in your home, applying a grow light can assist, as mentioned above.
• Dip cuttings in a rooting hormone (Image credit: Getty Images/Victoria Pearson)Another method to speed up houseplant propagation is by applying a rooting hormone.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This is a substance with chemicals and nutrients that replicate the root-growing hormones in the plant. 'Rooting hormone contains plant auxins, which are plant growth hormones that initiate and control plant growth,' explains Julie.

• As a rule, it's as straightforward as taking the end of your houseplant cutting and dipping it into the rooting hormone.
• Take care to ensure it has an even coating and covers the bottom leaf node before placing the cutting in soil.
• Be aware applying rooting hormone for a water propagation is unlikely to be effective.
• This is since the rooting hormone can be washed away in the water.

Is Speed Houseplant Propagation Methods Worth It?

In short, rooting hormone comes in several different forms, like this rooting hormone powder from Amazon and this rooting hormone gel from Amazon. Apply pothos cuttings as a rooting hormone (Image credit: Wachirawit Iemlerkchai via Getty Images)If you have opted for water propagation but are still keen to apply something like a rooting hormone to speed up the process, try popping a pothos cutting in with your other cutting.

• 'Pothos can be used as a natural rooting hormone, as this plant species has a high amount of auxins and cytokinin,' explains Julie.
• Not only can you apply pothos cuttings to speed up houseplant propagation for other plants, but you will also end up with a propagation of pothos to plant up.
• Worth noting: it can be hard to juggle multiple cuttings at once, which is why applying this propagation station from Amazon can assist display your cuttings neatly and in a beautiful method.
• FAQs Can I fertilize houseplant cuttings?

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I save money on speed houseplant propagation methods?

Compare prices across a few retailers, look for active coupon codes, and time bigger buys around sales events. There are, of course, other methods to propagate houseplants - such as through division - but taking cuttings tends to be a favored method since of how straightforward it can be.

Is it worth shopping around for speed houseplant propagation methods?

Usually yes. Each houseplant cutting will take a different amount of time to develop roots, but there are some general rules to follow to speed up the process.

What should I check before buying?

Read the terms, confirm any code still works, and factor in shipping or returns. Whether you're attempting to propagate a succulent or an indoor tree, the pointers below can assist you speed up houseplant propagation. (Image credit: Andriana Syvanych via Alamy)5 methods to speed up houseplant propaga....

Smart Ways to Save More on Speed Houseplant Propagation Methods

• Check for student, military, or first order offers you may qualify for.
• Time non urgent purchases around major sale events for the deepest cuts.
• Leave items in your cart for a day; some stores send a follow up discount.
• Pair cashback with a coupon so you save twice on the same order.
• Stack a coupon code with an existing sale whenever the store allows it.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line on speed houseplant propagation methods: a little research goes a long way. Compare your options, watch for seasonal offers, and never pay full price when a better deal is a click away.

Originally published at savingswitch.com.