How to Raise Flowers From Clippings

Overview

Propagating flowering plants from clippings, called stem cuttings, produces a plant identical to the parent plant. Although some plants do not reproduce in this way, many herbaceous plants (especially houseplants) do. Before houseplants became readily available at nurseries and greenhouses, women often exchanged "slips" from plants to increase their supply of houseplants and to share theirs with neighbors. Buying a new plant at the home improvement center may be quick and easy, but for times when you wish to multiply an unusual plant or simply want to save a few dollars, rooting flowering plants at home is a simple process.

Step 1

Examine the plant for signs of insect damage or disease. Select healthy new growth on the terminal end of the plant.

Step 2

Cut a 4- to 6-inch section just below a leaf node (the area where a new leaf forms). This area is rich in growth enzymes that promote rapid root development.

Step 3

Remove leaves on the bottom 2 inches of the stem.

Step 4

Place in a glass or vase of water and set on a bright window sill out of direct afternoon sun. Leaves must be well above the water level. Leaves exposed to water decay quickly, contaminating the water.

Step 5

Change water every few days if it becomes stagnant. Keep the water level consistent and watch for new roots to appear. Some plants root within a few days, while others may take a week or two.

Step 6

Plant in pots filled with potting soil once roots have formed.