If you’re anything like me, you’ve wandered into a plant store with good intentions and left with half your paycheck missing and way too many leafy roommates to care for. But what if I told you there’s a way to expand your plant family without breaking the bank? Yep, I’m talking about propagation: the magical (and kind of science-y) process of growing new plants from cuttings, divisions, or even just a single leaf.
Some plants are total overachievers when it comes to propagation. Snip a stem, pop it in water or soil, and boom—you’ve got a brand-new plant baby in weeks. If you’re new to the propagation game or just want a faster way to turn your home into a lush indoor jungle, these are the houseplants you’ll want to start with.
So let’s get into it so you can start propagating now and quickly have a beautiful plant to pot asap!
Plants That Grow Quickly From Propagations
Get to growing quick with these easy propagating plants:
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is the queen of easy propagation. And a personal favorite plant of mine!
Seriously, if this plant were a person, it would be that friend who always helps you move and brings snacks. Just snip a vine right below a node (the knobby part where the leaves grow), stick it in water, and wait for roots to form. Within a few weeks, you’ll have a thriving new plant.
Bonus: Pothos grows fast, whether it’s in soil or water. It’s also super forgiving, so if you forget about your cutting for a while (guilty), it’ll probably still thrive.
Peep the two variations of pothos I am propagating below- both popped our roots within a week!
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
If you’ve ever seen a spider plant in action, you know it’s basically the overachieving parent of the plant world. Those little “spiderettes” dangling from the mother plant? They’re ready to grow as soon as they touch soil.
To propagate, gently snip off a spiderette and plant it in moist soil or place it in water until roots form. Spider plants grow quickly, and before you know it, your new plant will be producing babies of its own. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving.
3. Philodendron (Heartleaf or Brasil varieties)
Philodendrons are the cool, artsy cousin of pothos. They’re just as easy to propagate but with a little extra flair, thanks to their unique leaf patterns. To propagate, cut a stem just below a node, place it in water, and watch the roots take off.
These plants grow fast and don’t mind low light, making them perfect for beginner plant parents or anyone who’s still figuring out where the sunniest windows are in their home.
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants might look slow and steady, but don’t let that fool you—they’re propagation champs when you do it right. The easiest method? Cut a leaf into sections, let them callous over for a day or two, and stick them in moist soil.
Alternatively, you can divide the plant at the root level. Either way, your snake plant will grow strong and stylish in no time. Plus, they’re nearly indestructible, so you can’t mess this up (I promise).
Here is a successful snake plant propagation of mine-
5. Inch Plant (Tradescantia)
Tradescantia is like the glitter of the plant world: it spreads everywhere and always catches your eye. These trailing beauties are ridiculously easy to propagate. Just take a cutting, pop it in water, and roots will appear in days.
The best part? Tradescantia grows so fast, you’ll feel like a pro gardener overnight. Plus, their vibrant purple and green leaves add a pop of color to any space.
6. Begonia Rex
Begonias might sound fancy, but they’re secretly super easy to propagate. Take a healthy leaf cutting, place it on damp soil, and pin it down so it stays in contact. Before you know it, tiny baby begonias will start sprouting from the veins of the leaf.
Begonia Rex varieties are especially fun because of their bold, colorful foliage. These plants grow quickly once established, so you’ll have a little jungle in no time.
7. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa or Monstera adansonii)
Ah, monstera—the Instagram darling of houseplants. Good news: it’s not just photogenic; it’s also a propagation superstar. Cut a stem just below a node, ensuring you include an aerial root if possible, and place it in water.
Monsteras grow roots quickly, and watching them take off is oddly satisfying. Plus, it won’t be long before your cutting starts sprouting those iconic Swiss cheese leaves.
8. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plants are the low-maintenance besties of the plant world, and they’re surprisingly easy to propagate. Take a stem cutting or divide the rhizomes (those potato-like roots), plant them in soil, and wait for the magic to happen.
They grow slower than some other plants on this list, but once they get going, they’re unstoppable. Plus, they’re nearly impossible to kill, so they’re perfect for propagation newbies.
9. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
Pilea peperomioides, aka the Chinese Money Plant, is not just adorable but also a propagation pro. Look for little “pups” growing at the base of the plant—these are ready-made propagations.
Gently separate the pups from the parent plant and pot them in fresh soil. Pilea grows quickly, and its round, pancake-like leaves are a quirky addition to any plant collection.
10. Coleus
Coleus isn’t just for outdoor gardens—it makes a stunning houseplant, too! Its vibrant, multi-colored leaves make it a showstopper, and propagating it is a breeze. Take a cutting, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water.
Roots will appear in just a few days, and before you know it, you’ll have a whole new coleus ready to pot. It’s a fun, fast-growing plant that’ll add a splash of color to your indoor garden.
Propagation Pro Tips (Because We’re Not Here to Fail):
- Use Clean Tools: Always use sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears to make clean cuts. No one likes a ragged edge—not even plants.
- Change Water Regularly: If you’re propagating in water, change it every few days to prevent bacteria buildup. Your cuttings will thank you with speedy root growth.
- Be Patient (Kind Of): Some plants root faster than others. While pothos might sprout roots in days, others (looking at you, ZZ plant) take their sweet time. Trust the process.
- Label Your Cuttings: If you’re propagating multiple plants at once, label them. Trust me, realizing you’ve mixed up your monsteras and philodendrons isn’t as fun as it sounds.
- Transition Carefully: When it’s time to move your cutting from water to soil, don’t rush. Use a light, well-draining soil mix and keep the plant in a humid environment for a few days to help it adjust.
There’s something magical about turning one plant into many. It’s like you’re the fairy godmother of greenery, waving your shears and creating tiny new lives. Plus, propagation is a budget-friendly way to grow your plant collection (or create gifts for your fellow plant lovers).
Whether you’re new to houseplants or already have a living room that resembles a jungle, propagating fast-growing plants is a fun, rewarding way to dive deeper into the world of indoor gardening. And let’s be honest—nothing beats the joy of seeing those first tiny roots form.
Now, go forth and propagate! Your future indoor jungle awaits you!
Talk Plant To Me
If you enjoyed this article on Plants That Grow Quickly From Propagations then you probably (hopefully!) will enjoy and find these articles helpful as well:
| Talk Plant To Me | 