How to Take Plant Cuttings: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

Have you ever looked at one healthy plant and wished you had ten? Good news—you probably already do.

Taking plant cuttings is one of the easiest, cheapest and most satisfying ways to grow your collection. Whether you’re propagating houseplants, herbs or garden favourites, learning how to take cuttings can save money, rescue leggy plants and give you plenty of new plants to keep or share.

If you’re completely new to propagation, start with our How to Propagate Plants: A Beginner’s Guide, then come back here for the step-by-step instructions.

person holding green plant on clear glass
Photo by Sasha Kim on Pexels.com

What Is a Plant Cutting?

A cutting is simply a piece of a healthy plant that’s removed and encouraged to grow its own roots.

Once rooted, that cutting becomes an entirely new plant that’s genetically identical to the parent.

Many of the world’s most popular houseplants grow beautifully from cuttings, including:

  • Pothos
  • Philodendron
  • Monstera
  • Tradescantia
  • Spider Plants
  • Hoya
  • Herbs like mint and basil

What You’ll Need

The good news is you don’t need expensive equipment.

For most cuttings you’ll need:

Step 1: Choose a Healthy Plant

Always start with a healthy, actively growing plant.

Avoid taking cuttings from plants that are:

  • Wilted
  • Diseased
  • Pest-infested
  • Recently repotted
  • Flowering heavily

The stronger the parent plant, the greater your chance of success.

Step 2: Find a Node

This is the most important step.

A node is the point where leaves, roots or branches grow from the stem.

Roots almost always emerge from nodes—not from random sections of stem.

Look for:

  • Leaf joins
  • Small bumps
  • Aerial roots (especially on Monsteras and Pothos)

Step 3: Make the Cut

Using clean, sharp scissors:

  • Cut around 1cm below a node.
  • Aim for a cutting around 10–15cm long.
  • Include two or three leaves where possible.

Remove any lower leaves that would sit underwater or below the soil.

Step 4: Decide Between Water or Soil

There isn’t one “correct” method.

Water propagation

Perfect for beginners because you can watch the roots grow.

Simply place the node under water while keeping the leaves above the surface.

Ideal for:

  • Pothos
  • Philodendron
  • Monstera
  • Tradescantia
  • Herbs

Soil propagation

Produces stronger roots from the beginning but requires more attention.

Use moist—not soaking—potting mix and keep humidity high during the first few weeks.

Step 5: Give Your Cutting the Right Conditions

Most cuttings love:

✅ Bright, indirect light

✅ Warm temperatures

✅ High humidity

Avoid:

❌ Direct afternoon sun

❌ Cold windows

❌ Radiators

❌ Draughts

Think warm and bright—not hot and dry.

Step 6: Be Patient

Propagation isn’t instant.

Typical rooting times:

  • Pothos: 1–3 weeks
  • Philodendron: 2–4 weeks
  • Monstera: 3–6 weeks
  • Herbs: 1–3 weeks
  • Hoya: 3–8 weeks

Some plants are naturally slower than others.

When Is a Cutting Ready for Soil?

If you’ve rooted in water, don’t rush.

Wait until the roots are around 5–10cm (2–4 inches) long and have started producing smaller side roots.

This gives the cutting the best chance of adapting to soil.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Taking a cutting without a node

Without a node, most plants simply won’t produce roots.

Using dirty scissors

Always clean blades before cutting to reduce the risk of disease.

Too much direct sunlight

Bright light helps.

Scorching sunshine doesn’t.

Changing the water too rarely

Replace propagation water every 5–7 days to keep bacteria under control.

Potting up too early

Tiny roots break easily.

Wait until they’re well established.

Can You Use Rooting Hormone?

Usually, yes—but you don’t have to.

Many common houseplants root perfectly without it.

Rooting hormone can be useful for:

  • Roses
  • Hydrangeas
  • Woody shrubs
  • Slower-growing cuttings

For beginners propagating indoor plants, it’s often optional rather than essential.

Which Plants Are Easiest to Take Cuttings From?

If you’re just starting, try:

  • Pothos
  • Spider Plant
  • Tradescantia
  • Philodendron
  • Mint
  • Basil
  • Monstera
  • Hoya

These are forgiving and usually root reliably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you take cuttings all year round?

Yes, but spring and summer usually produce the fastest results because plants are actively growing.

Should cuttings be in sun or shade?

Bright, indirect light is best.

Avoid strong midday sunshine.

Should I mist my cuttings?

Some tropical plants appreciate higher humidity, but don’t constantly soak the leaves.

Can one plant provide lots of cuttings?

Absolutely.

Healthy, mature plants can often provide several cuttings without any problems.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to take plant cuttings is one of those gardening skills that quickly becomes addictive.

Before long, you’ll be turning one plant into two, two into ten, and wondering why you ever bought full-sized plants in the first place.

Start with one easy plant, don’t be afraid to experiment, and remember: even experienced gardeners lose the occasional cutting. Every attempt teaches you something.

Related articles

  • How to Propagate Plants: A Beginner’s Guide
  • Water vs Soil Propagation: Which Is Better? (coming soon)
  • Where to Cut a Plant for Propagation (coming soon)
  • How Long Do Cuttings Take to Root? (coming soon)
  • Why Won’t My Cuttings Root? (coming soon)
  • Should You Use Rooting Hormone? (coming soon)

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