How to Propagate Houseplants by Leaf Vein Cuttings

Leaf vein cuttings are produced using a leaf blade pinned to the rooting media to produce a new plant. Small plantlets emerge from areas on the leaf blade where leaf veins have been cut and come in contact with rooting media.  Leaf vein cuttings work well for species such as begonia.  

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


When to Propagate  |  Rooting Media  |  Decreasing Water Loss  |  Rooting Hormones  |  Light & Temperature  |  How to Propagate by Leaf Vein Cuttings  |  Houseplant Species Propagated by Leaf Vein Cuttings  |  More Information


small plantlet forming from leaf vein cutting
Propagation by leaf vein cuttings produce small plantlets at the location where a cut leaf vein comes in contact with the rooting media

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.


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 rootingMaintain 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.


Supplies needed for leaf vein cuttings
Supplies needed to propagate by leaf vein cuttings include rooting media, scissors, rooting hormone, and something to hold the leaf down such as u-shaped pins.

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.


How to Propagate by Leaf Vein Cuttings

  • Remove a firm, healthy leaf. 
  • Cut the major veins on the underside of a leaf.
  • Treat cut veins of the leaf with rooting hormone, if desired
  • Lay the leaf (lower side/vein side down) on the rooting medium, and pin the leaf firmly to the rooting medium with hairpins, floral pins, or paper clips.  Small rocks or weights can also be used to keep the cut veins in contact with the rooting media.
  • 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
  • Check cuttings frequently
  • Small plantlets and roots will develop where the major veins have been cut.  New plantlets usually appear in six to eight weeks.
  • Separate the plants by carefully pulling or cutting them apart.
    • Once new plantlets have formed and have rooted in, the original leaf blade (or what's left of it) can be disposed of.
  • Pot new plants 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 be moved to its preferred location indoors
  • Once established, begin regular fertilization

start with a healthy leaf
1. Remove a healthy leaf.
Cutting the leaf veins
2. Cut the major veins on the underside of a leaf.
cut leaf veins
3. Cuts can be made in several spots to produce multiple propagules.
cut veins with rooting hormone
4. Use a toothpick or cotton swab to apply rooting hormone to the cut veins.
leaf lying down on media
5. Lay the leaf (lower side/vein side down) on the rooting medium
leaves held in place
6. Use pins or weights to keep the cut vein in contact with the rooting media
tiny plantlets forming
7. After several weeks in a warm, moist environment a small plantlet will begin to form.
small plants growing
8. As the new plantlets grow the original leaf often dies back
propagules potted up
9.  Once large enough the propagules can be potted up in regular potting soil.

 

 



Houseplants Best Propagated by Leaf Vein Cuttings

  • Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia)
  • Begonia rex (Rex Begonia)

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


More Information



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Authors:
Last reviewed:
January 2025