Propagating plants from cuttings: our trusted method for garden growth
In our garden, we’ve adopted the practice of propagating plants through cuttings — a brilliant way to expand our plant collection without constantly investing in new greenery. But what’s the ideal method for rooting cuttings in soil? After years of trial and error, we’ve concluded that the best soil mix for quick and healthy root development is a 50/50 blend of sand and peat. This combination ensures just the right balance of drainage and moisture retention — a true key to success.
Why grow from cuttings?
Propagating plants from cuttings is a wonderful, cost-effective way to grow your garden. It allows us to create new plants from those we already cherish — which brings a sense of satisfaction and a guarantee that the offspring will be just as beautiful as their "parents." Interestingly, just last year, we successfully rooted rosemary cuttings directly in soil. Today, they’re the highlight of our little herb corner!
The best soils for rooting cuttings
Choosing the right soil is essential for healthy root development. Not every soil type works equally well. Here are a few of our tried-and-true recommendations:
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Rose cuttings: Roses prefer a loamy mix enriched with perlite to ensure adequate moisture and airflow. Wondering how to root roses in soil? The key is to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged.
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Indoor plant cuttings: For succulents like jade plants, a mix of peat and sand works best, offering a loose texture that encourages roots.
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Herbaceous cuttings: If you're propagating money plants or similar cuttings, we recommend universal garden soil with a bit of added perlite.
The importance of soil drainage
Drainage plays a crucial role in successful rooting. One of the most common mistakes we made early on was using overly heavy soil that retained too much water. Poor drainage encourages root rot — a major threat to young cuttings. For a long time, we were puzzled why our rose cuttings failed to thrive. Eventually, we realized the solution was to add more sand to our mix, which significantly improved drainage and brought much better results.
Water or soil: which is better for rooting cuttings?
It’s a common question among gardeners: is it better to root cuttings in water or directly in soil? Ultimately, the answer depends on the plant species and your personal preference. Here’s what we’ve learned from experience:
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Water propagation offers better visibility. You can monitor root development in real-time — which is not only helpful but incredibly rewarding.
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Soil propagation helps the plant adjust more easily to its final growing conditions, as it develops roots in its future medium from the very start.
How to prepare cuttings for soil propagation
Pruning and preparing cuttings correctly is critical to propagation success. Here’s how to get it right:
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Choose the right timing: The best time to take cuttings is in early spring or autumn, when the plant isn’t in a phase of vigorous growth.
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Select healthy stems: Ideal cuttings should be young but partially woody, as this increases the chance of successful rooting.
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Cut to the right length: A cutting should be about 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) long to provide enough stored energy for new root formation.
During one of our many backyard experiments, we decided to prune our roses following exactly these guidelines. The results were astonishing — the new plants bloomed in their very first season! It just goes to show how important the preparation phase truly is.
Practical tips from experienced gardeners
After years in the soil (literally!), we’ve gathered a few practical insights that can make all the difference when rooting cuttings:
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Maintain consistent moisture: Cuttings need regular watering, but beware of excess — too much water can cause root rot.
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Provide proper light and warmth: Make sure your cuttings get enough light, but avoid direct sunlight. An ideal temperature is around 20°C (68°F).
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Use rooting hormone: It’s not always necessary, but in many cases, applying rooting hormone speeds up root development and improves success rates.
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Cover the cuttings: Especially in the early phase, covering the pot with a plastic bag or a mini greenhouse helps retain humidity.
A fulfilling journey worth the patience
Propagating plants through cuttings isn’t just about multiplying what you already have — it’s an incredibly satisfying journey of learning, care, and observation. Sometimes the results come quickly and with flair. Other times, it takes patience and resilience.
But is it worth the time and effort to propagate your own plants? We think so. There’s something truly magical about watching roots form and new leaves unfurl — knowing it all began with your hands, your garden, and your care.
Every garden tells its own story
To sum up, propagating plants from cuttings is a rewarding challenge for any gardener. Don’t be afraid to experiment, learn from your mistakes, and celebrate your victories. As our neighbor likes to say, “Every garden has its own rhythm — and that's what makes gardening so full of wonder and surprise.
