Propagation

What's more satisfying than watching a plant grow from a propagation that you made yourself? Plant propagation involves creating new plants from parts of your existing plants. You can have a lot of fun learning how to propagate houseplants, whether you're hoping to multiply your favourite plants or just try something new. And because there are so many ways to propagate plants, you can let your creativity run wild! Here you’ll find everything you need to get started and create an army of plants to take over the world (or at least, your living room).

Types of propagation

When it comes to making more plants, plant experts usually refer to either sexual propagation or asexual propagation. Sexual propagation happens when pollen ( the male part of the plant) meets an egg (the female part of the plant). A seed is created from that union, composed of both plant parents’ DNA. Once sprouted, the seed will slowly grow and turn into a plant with characteristics of both parents. As interesting as this is, here at PLNTS we have decided to focus on asexual propagation, as this is most likely what we can do in the comfort of our own home.

Asexual propagation is, in very short terms, anything that can be done without a seed. It’s usually classified in:

• Cuttings (to cut a part of the plant and then root it)
• Air-layering (to root a part of the plant and then cut it)
• Separation (to remove parts of the plants that are already grown and plant them)
• Bulbs, corms & tubers (the official name should be “division” but we are only focusing on bulbs, corms and tubers).

The best time to propagate your houseplants

Timing is everything when it comes to propagating houseplants. Although some plants can be propagated year-round, the most favourable time is during the late spring or early summer. This is when plants naturally experience a growth spurt, making them more resilient and adaptable to the propagation process.

Expert tip! If needed, you can also propagate your houseplant during late summer, autumn, and even winter. Just remember, the more dormant your plant is, the lower the success rate might