In order to determine how to propagate your various houseplants, you may have to consult various reference texts at your local library. Included below is a list of common houseplants and the recommended techniques for propagation.
Propagation techniques for selected houseplants.
African violet Cut petioles 1/2 inch long. Place potted leaf cuttings in plastic bag. Leaf cutting, Division
Asparagus fern Keep young divisions constantly moist. Division
Begonia May be started from leaf sections placed on surface of rooting medium. Cleanliness important. Herbaceous cutting, Leaf cutting. Use well-drained medium high in organic matter. Orchid growing mix useful. Division
Cast iron plant Provide good light after division. Division
Chinese evergreen May be rooted or grown in water. Herbaceous cutting, Stem section
Christmas cactus Keep moist, but avoid over watering during rooting. Herbaceous cutting
Chrysanthemum Cuttings from new shoots in early spring often make better garden plants than divisions. Herbaceous cutting, Division
Coleus Root In water. Easiest of all. Herbaceous cutting
Diffenbachia Subject to rot during rooting. Do not over water. Keep clean. Herbaceous cutting, Stem section, Air layer
Dracaena Stem sections relatively slow. Herbaceous cutting, Stem section, Air layer
English ivy Easy to root. Sometimes slow starting. Herbaceous cutting, Compound layer
Ferns Keep constantly moist after division. Division
Gardenia Vigorous new shoots root most easily in midsummer. Herbaceous cutting
Geranium Stem cuttings, keep foliage dry during rooting. Herbaceous cutting
Norfolk Island pine Very slow. Use only terminal cutting. Herbaceous cutting, Air layer
Orchid Many types. Provide high humidity and well-drained organic medium. Division
Philodendron May be rooted in water. Spring and early summer give quickest rooting. Herbaceous cutting, Compound layer
Poinsettia Propagate in late August for home. Cleanliness important. Herbaceous cutting
Pothos Will root in water. Spring and early summer propagation usually most successful. Herbaceous cutting, Compound layer
Rubber plant Keep humidity high during rooting, or use air layer. Herbaceous cutting, Air layer
Schefflera Needs high humidity and bright light. Slow rooting. Herbaceous cutting, Air layer
Snake plant Place leaf sections in same position they grew. Will not root upside down. Leaf cutting, Division
Spider plant Very easy to root runners. Pot directly in soil mixture. Division, Leaf cutting
