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

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 for propagation:

Perlite: Good drainage, aeration, neutral pH, good support to hold cuttings upright
Sand: Good drainage, good support to hold cuttings upright, may need sterilization
Coarse sphagnum moss: High moisture retention, good aeration, difficult to re-wet if allowed to dry out completely
Vermiculite: Holds water well, neutral pH
Peat moss: High moisture retention, acidic pH, may stay too wet, good to mix with others
Potting soil: only use as part of a mix, often doesn't provide enough drainage or aeration

Mixtures also work well. Popular mixtures include sand with peat moss and perlite with peat moss.

Use clean, sterile containers with good drainage, at least 2 inches deep (to allow for enough depth to hold the cuttings upright). Moisten media before use.

Using Water Instead of Rooting Media

While several species will readily root in a glass of water, the roots that form are more coarse in texture. This means they are not well adapted to potting soil and once potted, may 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.

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 when roots are about 1 inch long.

Decreasing Water Loss

Without roots, cuttings have a limited capacity to take up water. Decreasing the water lost is important for success. To reduce water loss:

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.
When cuttings have large leaves remove some of the leaves or trim down leaves to reduce the surface area where moisture can be lost.

High humidity is essential for successful rooting. Maintain high humidity by enclosing the pot in a plastic bag or dome, using supports like chopsticks, straws, and wire loops to keep the plastic bag off the plant. Do not seal the bag tightly to allow for air exchange.

Rooting Hormones

Rooting hormones promote root formation and come in powder or liquid forms.

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 propagation you are using.

When using powder forms, always place a small amount of powder in a separate container. 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. Replace them after about two years as the efficacy of rooting hormone drops over time.

Light and Temperature

Plants need 4 to 6 hours of bright indirect light for root and shoot growth. Too much light can burn foliage (especially under plastic bags or domes); too little light slows root formation and cuttings may 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