Rare houseplant cuttings are one of the most rewarding ways to grow your collection. They are affordable, easy to ship, and with a little patience they turn into full plants. Here is how we root and care for cuttings of Hoya, Philodendron, Monstera, Scindapsus and other unusual plants.
1. Unpack and inspect your cutting
Open the box as soon as it arrives. Cuttings are shipped fresh and carefully packed, so a slightly limp leaf is normal after travel. Remove any damaged leaves and let the cutting rest in room temperature water for an hour before planting.
2. Choose your rooting method
- Water propagation: best for Pothos, Philodendron, Monstera and Tradescantia. Use a clear jar, change the water every 3 to 5 days and keep the nodes submerged.
- Sphagnum moss or perlite: ideal for Hoya, Anthurium and Alocasia. Keep the medium damp, never soggy.
- Dry callus method: for succulents like Echeveria, Crassula, Aeonium and Graptopetalum. Let the cut end dry for 2 to 3 days, then place it on well-draining soil.
3. Give it the right light and warmth
Bright, indirect light and a temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius give the fastest results. Avoid direct midday sun, which can scorch young leaves. A humid spot, such as a clear box or a bright bathroom, helps tropical cuttings root faster.
4. Be patient
Most tropical cuttings show roots within 2 to 4 weeks. Hoya can take 4 to 8 weeks. Succulent leaves often grow tiny roots and a baby rosette within a month. Do not pull on the cutting to check for roots.
5. Pot up when roots are 3 to 5 cm
Move your rooted cutting into a light, airy mix: potting soil with perlite or bark. Water lightly at first and keep the plant in bright indirect light while it adjusts.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Overwatering, which causes rot
- Placing cuttings in direct sun
- Using a pot with no drainage holes
- Fertilizing before the plant has new roots
Ready to start? Browse our newest rare cuttings or find a plant under 15 euro in our Under 15 collection. Every order ships from the Netherlands, and shipping is free over 40 euro.