Discover 15 easy plants you can grow from cuttings with this step-by-step guide. Perfect for beginners looking to expand their garden for free!
Have you ever wished you could multiply your favorite plants without spending a dime? I’ve been there—ten years ago, I started experimenting with plant cuttings in my own backyard, and it’s been a game-changer ever since. Propagating plants you can grow from cuttings is a simple, cost-effective, and downright fun way to expand your garden or indoor plant collection. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this method is rewarding and surprisingly easy.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 15 plants you can grow from cuttings, sharing step-by-step instructions based on my own successes (and a few flops!). From herbs like rosemary to veggies like tomatoes and even indoor beauties like pothos, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, I’ll throw in some personal tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way. So, let’s dig in and get growing!
What Are Plant Cuttings?
Plant cuttings are small pieces of a plant—like stems, leaves, or roots—that you can use to grow a whole new plant. Think of it as cloning your favorites! When you give a cutting the right conditions, it sprouts roots and becomes an exact copy of the parent plant. I love this method because it’s faster than growing from seeds and lets me keep my best plants going strong.
There are a few types of cuttings:
- Stem cuttings: The most common, taken from a plant’s stem.
- Leaf cuttings: Perfect for succulents like jade plants.
- Root cuttings: Less common but useful for some plants.
For this guide, I’ll focus on stem and leaf cuttings since they’re the easiest for beginners like I was when I started.
Why Grow Plants from Cuttings?
So, why bother with cuttings? Here’s why I’m hooked:
- It’s free: No need to buy new plants—just use what you’ve got!
- Faster results: Cuttings root and grow quicker than seeds.
- Preserve your favorites: I once saved a rare tomato variety this way.
- Pure joy: Watching a tiny cutting turn into a thriving plant is magic.
Ready to try it? Let’s explore 15 plants you can grow from cuttings.
15 Plants You Can Grow from Cuttings
I’ve picked a mix of herbs, vegetables, and ornamental plants that I’ve successfully propagated over the years. Each one comes with detailed steps so you can follow along.
1. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary’s woody stems and pine-like scent make it a kitchen favorite. Can you grow rosemary plants from cuttings? Absolutely—I’ve done it dozens of times!
- How to take a cutting: In spring, snip a 4-6 inch stem just below a leaf node.
- Preparation: Strip the leaves from the bottom half. I sometimes use rooting hormone, but it’s optional.
- Planting: Stick it in well-draining soil or a glass of water. I’ve had luck with both!
- Care: Keep it in bright, indirect light. Roots pop up in 2-4 weeks, then transplant it.
Tip: Check out my indoor herb guide for more herb-growing secrets.
2. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is a propagation superstar. I once turned one plant into ten using cuttings!
- How to take a cutting: Cut a 4-6 inch stem below a leaf node.
- Preparation: Remove the bottom leaves—no rooting hormone needed.
- Planting: Place it in water (my go-to) or moist soil. Plants you can grow from cuttings in water don’t get easier than this!
- Care: Roots form in a week. Transplant it, but keep it contained—mint spreads like wildfire.
3. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil’s fresh leaves are a must for my pasta nights, and it’s a breeze to propagate.
- How to take a cutting: Snip a 4-6 inch stem below a node.
- Preparation: Strip the bottom leaves.
- Planting: Submerge the nodes in water—change it every few days.
- Care: Roots appear in a week. Plant it in soil and keep it sunny.
For more, see this basil guide from the University of Minnesota.
4. Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)
Can you grow tomato plants from cuttings? Yes! I saved a bumper crop this way once.
- How to take a cutting: In summer, cut a 6-8 inch sucker from the plant.
- Preparation: Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Planting: Plant in soil or water—I’ve tried both with success.
- Care: Roots form in 1-2 weeks. Transplant and stake it up.
Related: My tomato-growing tips might help!
5. Peppers (Capsicum spp.)
Can you grow pepper plants from cuttings? Yep—I’ve overwintered my best chili plants this way.
- How to take a cutting: In fall, cut a 4-6 inch stem.
- Preparation: Strip lower leaves and use rooting hormone.
- Planting: Plant in moist soil and cover with a bag for humidity.
- Care: Roots take 2-3 weeks. Transplant when ready.
Can you grow chili plants from cuttings? Same process—works for hot peppers too!
6. Raspberries (Rubus idaeus)
Can you grow raspberry plants from cuttings? Yes, and I’ve expanded my berry patch this way.
- How to take a cutting: In fall, cut a 6-8 inch cane.
- Preparation: Remove lower leaves or buds.
- Planting: Bury it 2-3 inches in soil.
- Care: Keep it moist and shaded. Roots take 4-6 weeks.
See Oregon State’s berry tips for more.
7. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is my favorite indoor plant you can grow from cuttings. Its vines brighten any room.
- How to take a cutting: Cut a 4-6 inch section below a node.
- Preparation: Remove the bottom leaf.
- Planting: Root it in water or soil—I love watching roots grow in a jar.
- Care: Roots form in a week. Transplant to a pot with indirect light.
8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are champs at making “pups”—perfect for propagation.
- How to take a cutting: Snip a pup with small roots.
- Preparation: If no roots, root it in water first.
- Planting: Plant in soil and water well.
- Care: Keep it in bright light. It’s super easy!
9. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade’s chunky leaves make it a cool house plant you can grow from cuttings.
- How to take a cutting: Snip a 3-4 inch stem or twist off a leaf.
- Preparation: Let it callous for a day.
- Planting: Plant in succulent soil—leaf cuttings just sit on top.
- Care: Water sparingly. Roots take 2-4 weeks.
More succulent tips here from UC.
10. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
Lavender’s scent is heavenly, and it’s easy to propagate.
- How to take a cutting: Cut a 4-6 inch non-flowering stem.
- Preparation: Strip lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Planting: Plant in well-draining soil.
- Care: Roots form in a few weeks in bright light.
11. Geranium (Pelargonium spp.)
Geraniums bring color and root easily from cuttings.
- How to take a cutting: Cut a 4-6 inch stem.
- Preparation: Remove lower leaves.
- Planting: Plant in soil and water lightly.
- Care: Roots take a few weeks. Transplant to a pot or garden.
12. Fuchsia (Fuchsia spp.)
Fuchsia’s dangling blooms are stunning and propagatable.
- How to take a cutting: Cut a 4-6 inch stem in summer.
- Preparation: Strip lower leaves and use rooting hormone.
- Planting: Plant in soil and cover for humidity.
- Care: Roots form in 2-3 weeks. Transplant to a basket.
13. Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.)
Hibiscus adds tropical flair and grows from cuttings.
- How to take a cutting: Cut a 6-8 inch semi-hardwood stem.
- Preparation: Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone.
- Planting: Plant in soil and keep moist.
- Care: Roots take a few weeks in warm conditions.
More on tropicals from UF.
14. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Coleus’s bright leaves make it a fun one to propagate.
- How to take a cutting: Cut a 4-6 inch stem.
- Preparation: Strip lower leaves.
- Planting: Root in water or soil—both work fast.
- Care: Roots form in a week. Plant in partial shade.
15. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)
Can you grow air plants from cuttings? Not quite—they make pups instead.
- How to propagate: After flowering, separate pups when they’re a third of the parent’s size.
- Care: Mist regularly and keep in bright light.
More from Missouri Botanical Garden.
Tips for Successful Propagation
Here’s what I’ve learned over a decade of trial and error:
- Sharp tools: Clean cuts prevent disease—my rusty scissors once ruined a batch!
- Timing: Spring or summer works best for most plants.
- Environment: Warmth, humidity, and indirect light are key.
- Patience: Roots take time—don’t overwater while waiting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made these mistakes so you donemortgage:
- Sick plants: Only use healthy cuttings—my wilted basil never stood a chance.
- Wrong conditions: Too little light or humidity stalls rooting.
- Water woes: Overwatering rots cuttings; underwatering dries them out.
- Skipping hormone: For tricky plants, it’s a lifesaver.
Conclusion: Start Growing Today
Propagating plants you can grow from cuttings is one of my favorite gardening hacks. From plants you can grow from cuttings in water like mint to indoor plants you can grow from cuttings like pothos, it’s a cheap, fun way to grow your collection. I still remember my first rosemary cutting taking root—it felt like a little victory!
Give it a shot with one of these 15 plants, and let me know how it goes in the comments. Happy gardening!
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