Stem cuttings are produced using the tip or section of a stem with leaves and buds on it to produce a new plant. New roots form from buds on the lower portion of the stem. Stem cuttings work well for species such as dracaena, weeping fig, English ivy, philodendron, and dumb cane, among other plants.
When to Propagate | Rooting Media | Decreasing Water Loss | Rooting Hormones | Light & Temperature | How to Propagate by Stem Cuttings | Houseplant Species Propagated by Stem Cuttings | More Information

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, stem 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.
Placing a bag over the cuttings can help keep humidity high.
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.
How to Propagate by Stem Cuttings
- Cut stems with at least two nodes that are 3 to 6 inches long
- Either stem tips or stem segments from lower on a branch can be used. Be sure to maintain proper orientation, as stem segments will not root upside down
- Remove lower leaves and any flowers or fruit (if present)
- Treat cut end with rooting hormone if desired
- Stick the cutting into the media with at least one node and no leaves buried in the 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. 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
- Most houseplant stem cuttings will form roots in 3 to 6 weeks
- When adequate roots have formed (approximately 1 inch long or more), 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 can then be moved to its preferred location indoors
- Once established, begin regular fertilization







Houseplants Best Propagated by Stem Cuttings
- Citrus species (Citrus)
- Codiaeum variegatum (Croton)
- Coleus scutellarioides aka Solenostemon, Plectranthus (Coleus)
- Dieffenbachia species (Dumb Cane)
- Dracaena fragrans (Corn Plant)
- Epipremnum aureum (Devil's Ivy, Pothos)
- Euphorbia lactea (Candelabra Plant)
- Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig)
- Hedera helix (English Ivy)
- Hoya carnosa (Wax Vine)
- Monstera deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
- Philodendron hederaceum (Heartleaf Philodendron)
- Pilea peperiomoides (Chinese Money Plant)
- Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Schefflera)
- Schlumbergera species (Holiday Cactus)
- Tradescantia species, Zebrina species (Inch plant, Wandering Dude, Tradescantia)
A complete list of plants well-suited for propagation by cuttings can be found in this article: Propagating Houseplants
More Information
- Propagating Succulents
- How to Care for Houseplants
- Indoor Plants (publication)
- Growing Indoor Plants Under Supplemental Lights
- Home Propagation Techniques (pdf)
