How to Propagate Houseplants by Leaf Section Cuttings

Leaf section cuttings produce new plants utilizing a segment of the leaf blade. New roots and leaves form at the base of the cutting buried in the media, eventually creating a small plantlet. Leaf section cuttings work well for species such as snake plant (Sansevieria).

Several factors have to be considered to successfully propagate houseplants by cuttings, such as the rooting media, rooting hormones, decreasing water loss, and finding the right environmental conditions (humidity, light, and temperature).

section of rooted sansevieria leaf section — This section of sansevieria leaf was rooted in perlite

When to Propagate

Early spring is the ideal time to propagate by cuttings. Although, most houseplants can be successfully propagated any time of the year.

Rooting Media for Cuttings

Many different types of media can be used to root cuttings. The rooting media needs to have a good balance of water and air holding capacity to support the formation of new advantageous roots.

Common Media Types include:

Perlite – good drainage holding just enough water for cuttings, excellent aeration, neutral pH, and provides good support to hold cuttings in place
Sand – good water drainage and aeration, holds cutting upright well, may need to be sterilized before use
Coarse sphagnum moss – high moisture retention; good aeration when not compacted, can be difficult to wet thoroughly if it dries out completely
Vermiculite - holds water well and has a neutral pH
Peat moss – great moisture holding capacity, can occasionally stay too wet, acidic pH, great to mix with other media types
Potting soil – use only if amended to be very well-drained; tends to hold too much water and not enough air

You can also use mixtures of these different media types. Popular mixtures include sand with peat moss and perlite with peat moss.

The container used to hold the rooting media needs to be clean and sterile with good drainage. Containers or trays should be at least 2 inches deep to allow enough media depth to hold the cuttings upright. Always moisten or wet the media before sticking the cuttings.

Using Water Instead of Rooting Media

Water can be used to root cuttings. While several species will readily root in a glass of water, the roots that form are more coarse in texture and not as well adapted to growing in regular potting soil. This means that once cuttings rooted in water are planted in potting soil, they will often show signs of stress, such as wilting, leaf drop, browning of the leaves, or tip die-back. Providing good, consistent care will help the small propagules recover after planting.

If water is used, change the water frequently (one to two times each week) and never allow the water level to drop and expose the developing roots to air. Transplant cuttings into potting soil when the roots reach about 1 inch in length.

Decreasing Water Loss

Because the cuttings are missing roots, they have a very limited capacity to take up water. Decreasing the water lost from the cutting is very important. To reduce water loss and have greater success rooting cuttings:

Start with fully hydrated cuttings. Water parent plants the day before, so leaves and stems are fully hydrated.
Process or stick cuttings as quickly as possible.
If cuttings need to be stored, store them with the cut ends wrapped in a moist paper towel in a cool location with low light.
Stem cuttings with large leaves should have some of the leaves removed or the large leaves trimmed down in size to reduce the surface area where moisture can be lost.

High humidity is essential for successful rooting. Enclose the pot in a plastic bag or clear plastic dome to help keep humidity levels high. Use chopsticks, straws, wire loops, or other devices to keep the plastic off the stems and leaves. Do not seal the bag tightly to allow for some air to be exchanged.

Rooting Hormones

Rooting hormones are often applied to cuttings to promote root formation. They are typically used as a powder or as a concentrated liquid in which the cuttings are dipped.

The two synthetic auxins most frequently used are IBA (indolebutyric acid) and NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid). Various concentrations are available. Consult the label to determine the appropriate concentration based on the type of cutting you are taking.

When using powder forms, start by placing a small amount of powder in a separate container or on a paper plate or towel. Never return leftover material to the original container or dip cutting directly into the original container as disease issues can be easily spread this way. To apply, dust or dip the cut end in the powder.

When liquid forms are used, submerge the cut ends for a few seconds as directed on the label. Do not over-apply. Too much rooting hormone can sometimes slow root development.

Store rooting hormones in their original containers in a cool, dark location. After approximately two years the efficacy of rooting hormone drops sharply and they should be replaced.

Light and Temperature

Plants need to photosynthesize to produce new roots and shoots, so 4 to 6 hours of bright indirect light is important. Too much light can burn foliage or elevate temperatures too high, especially under plastic bags or domes. Too little light will slow the root formation process and could allow the cutting to rot or dry out before new roots form.

Cuttings root faster in warm air and rooting media. Air temperature between 65°F and 75°F is ideal. For good results, consider using a heat mat to raise the rooting media temperature to between 75°F and 80°F.

tray, rooting hormone and sansevieria leaf ready for propagation — Some of the materials needed to take leaf section cuttings of sansevieria

How to Propagate by Leaf Section Cuttings

Remove a leaf and cut it into 3- to 4-inch-tall sections
For each section, the area closest to the base of the parent plant is the bottom, and the farthest away is the top
- Cut a notch in the top to help remember which end is up
Dip the bottom end of each section in a rooting hormone
Insert the leaf section one to two inches deep into a moistened rooting medium
Water the rooting medium and allow it to drain for a few minutes
Place the cutting in a warm location with bright indirect light and high humidity. A plastic dome or bag is a good way to raise humidity
Check cuttings frequently
- Moisten the media if it is dry
- Adjust light, humidity, or temperature, if needed
New shoots or plantlets should appear at the base of the leaf section in two months
When adequate roots and shoots have formed, pot the new plant in regular potting soil
Once potted, keep the new plant well-watered and in bright, indirect light.
- The plant should be well established within a few weeks, and it can then be moved to its preferred location indoors
- The original leaf used to start the propagule can be cut off or removed once it browns or when the new propagule is fully established. It is not necessary to remove the original leaf, but it can improve the appearance
Once established, begin regular fertilization

Houseplants Best Propagated by Leaf Section Cuttings

Dracaena trifasciata, aka Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake Plant, Mother-in-Law's Tongue)

A complete list of plants well-suited for propagation by cuttings can be found in this article: Propagating Houseplants

More Information

Authors:

Aaron Steil

Last reviewed:

December 2023