25 Best Houseplants You Can Propagate from Cuttings

When it comes to houseplants, propagating from cuttings is like magic—you snip a piece, wait patiently, and voilà! You have a brand-new plant. Who doesn’t love free plants and a touch of science in their own home? Plus, it’s a hobby that gives you an excuse to become plant-obsessed (not that you needed one). If plants could talk, they’d probably be asking, “Why are humans so into cloning us?”

Whether you’re a green-thumbed wizard or someone who’s killed a cactus (hey, no judgment), propagating houseplants is satisfying for all skill levels. Below, we’ve rounded up 25 of the best houseplants you can propagate from cuttings. Grab your scissors (or pruning shears for the fancy folks), and let’s get started!

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is arguably the king of “easy-care plants.” Known as the “Devil’s Ivy” because of its survival skills, you can propagate it simply by cutting beneath a node, placing the cutting in water, and waiting for roots to show up. Pothos vines grow faster than weekend laundry piles, making it perfect for impatient gardeners.

Pro tip:

Once roots are about 2-3 inches long, transfer your pothos to soil for continued growth.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are like your quirky relatives who keep having babies. Their “spiderettes” (tiny plantlets) grow from flowering stems and are effortless to propagate. Just snip off the babies and plant them directly in soil.

Fun fact:

Spider plants are champions of air purification, making them perfect for stuffy apartments.

3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake plants might scream “I’m too cool for maintenance,” but they’re surprisingly easy to propagate. Simply cut a leaf horizontally into sections, place them in water, and watch as roots take over.

Case Study:

A friend once propagated a snake plant for every guest at her wedding. Budget-friendly AND personal, right?

4. Monstera Deliciosa

With its Insta-famous Swiss cheese-like leaves, Monstera is a trendy favorite. Propagation is as simple as cutting below an aerial root on the stem and planting it in moist soil or water.

Quick insight:

Make sure you cut a section with an aerial root. No root equals no Monstera miracle.

5. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea Peperomioides)

This social media darling isn’t just a visual treat but also exceptionally giving. Pilea naturally produces baby plants (pups) around its base. Gently detach those, and allow them to shine in their own pots.

Tip:

Great as gifts—who wouldn’t want a plant that symbolizes good fortune?

6. Philodendron

Much like its rival, pothos, philodendrons are propagation superstars. Cut below a node and place in water. They’re hearty growers and forgiving, making them perfect for beginners.

Did you know?

They thrive in low light, so even your darkest corner can host life.

7. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

While finicky to maintain, propagating a fiddle leaf fig is surprisingly straightforward. Take a healthy branch cutting, dip it in rooting hormone, and plant it in soil.

Pro tip:

Keep it in a warm and humid environment to encourage healthy roots.

8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

This fast-growing climber loves propagating as much as it loves taking over your garden. Cut a 4-6 inch section, place it in water, and watch the roots roll in.

Insight:

Perfect for training along trellises and windowsills.

9. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

Believe it or not, you can grow entire plants from a single leaf of African violets. Place the leaf in water, and in time, you’ll see roots forming.

10. Begonias

Rex begonias, in particular, can be propagated easily from a single leaf cutting. Just place the leaf in soil and keep it moist for a few weeks.

Extra tip:

Grow multiple plants using one mother plant by cutting multiple leaves.

11. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

ZZ plants, the low-maintenance MVP of the plant world, grow well from leaf cuttings. Cut a stem or single leaf, plant in soil, and wait patiently—it’s a slow but worthwhile process.