Fall is one of the best seasons for gardening. The cooler temperatures, combined with the slightly more humid air, create the perfect conditions for plant propagation. Propagating plants allows you to create new ones from existing plants, often at little to no cost, while expanding your garden and experimenting with new varieties. Whether you’re looking to share your favorite plants with friends or simply want more plants for your own home, fall is the ideal time to take cuttings from a variety of popular plants.
In this article, we’ll explore 10 plants that you can easily propagate this fall. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro, these plants offer simple and effective ways to grow your garden without breaking the bank. Plus, you can enjoy the satisfaction of watching your propagated plants thrive and grow into beautiful additions to your space. Let’s dive into these 10 plants and learn how to propagate them!
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is a hardy herb with fragrant leaves and a variety of culinary uses. It’s relatively easy to propagate rosemary from cuttings, making it an excellent plant to start with if you’re new to plant propagation. You can take a cutting of rosemary anytime during the growing season, but fall offers cooler temperatures and less intense sunlight, making it an ideal time to propagate.
How to Propagate Rosemary:
- Select a healthy stem from the rosemary plant and cut it back to about 4 inches long.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting.
- Place the cutting in a jar of water or directly into a pot filled with well-draining soil.
- Rosemary thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight and needs to be kept in a warm, slightly humid environment.
- Once the roots begin to form in the water or soil (usually within a few weeks), you can transfer your new plant into its permanent home.
2. Figs
Fig trees are a wonderful addition to any garden, offering delicious fruit and striking foliage. While figs are generally propagated by cuttings in late winter, you can also start them in the fall for a head start on the growing season.
How to Propagate Figs:
- Cut a healthy, pencil-thick stem from your fig tree.
- Snip it to about 6 inches long and remove any leaves near the base.
- Insert the cutting into a pot of well-draining soil or a container of water.
- Keep the cutting warm, and make sure it receives indirect sunlight.
- Figs are typically slow to root, so be patient, but within a few months, your fig cutting should have developed a strong root system.
3. Lavender
Lavender is another fragrant herb that thrives in sunny spots and well-drained soil. While lavender is known for its drought-tolerant nature, it can be a little tricky to propagate, but fall offers favorable conditions for success.
How to Propagate Lavender:
- Take cuttings from healthy, non-woody stems, preferably from the current season’s growth.
- Snip the cuttings to about 4 to 6 inches in length, removing the leaves from the bottom half.
- Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in well-draining soil or a mixture of sand and peat moss.
- Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location, away from direct sunlight.
- Lavender roots best in a humid environment, so lightly cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag or a dome to retain moisture.
4. Coleus
Coleus is a vibrant, colorful annual plant known for its stunning foliage. It’s a great plant to propagate in the fall because of its relatively quick rooting time and ease of care.
How to Propagate Coleus:
- Take a 4- to 6-inch cutting from a healthy coleus plant, making sure to include a few nodes (the sections where leaves grow).
- Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water and place it in a bright, indirect sunlight location.
- Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
- Once the roots are about 2 inches long, transfer the cutting into a pot with well-draining soil.
- Coleus plants will continue to thrive in moderate temperatures and bright but indirect light.
5. Geraniums
Geraniums are a popular flowering plant known for their vibrant, showy blooms. They are relatively easy to propagate and can be successfully rooted in the fall.
How to Propagate Geraniums:
- Take a cutting from the stem of the geranium, about 3 to 4 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water.
- Alternatively, you can plant the cutting directly in moist, well-draining soil.
- Keep the cutting in a warm, bright space, but avoid direct sunlight.
- Once the roots are about 1 inch long, transplant the cutting into a pot with soil.
6. Mint
Mint is a hardy and versatile herb known for its refreshing taste. Its rapid growth and tendency to spread quickly make it an excellent choice for propagation.
How to Propagate Mint:
- Snip a healthy 4- to 6-inch cutting from a mint stem.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving the top few leaves intact.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water and ensure that the cut end is submerged.
- Keep the water clean and replace it every few days.
- Mint cuttings root quickly, so you can transfer the new plant into a pot or garden bed once it has developed roots.
7. Succulents
Succulent plants are known for their ability to store water in their leaves, making them low-maintenance and ideal for propagation. Many succulents can be easily propagated by cutting leaves or stems.
How to Propagate Succulents:
- Gently remove a healthy leaf or stem from the succulent.
- Allow it to dry for 1 to 2 days so that the cut end forms a callus.
- Place the cutting on top of soil or a well-draining potting mix.
- Water sparingly, as succulents don’t require much moisture.
- After a few weeks, roots will begin to form, and your succulent will start to grow.
8. African Violets
African violets are beloved for their beautiful flowers and compact size, making them perfect for indoor gardens. They can be easily propagated using leaf cuttings.
How to Propagate African Violets:
- Cut a healthy leaf from the plant, making sure to include the petiole (the leaf stalk).
- Place the leaf in a small container with water or directly in a pot with moist soil.
- Keep the cutting in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight.
- After several weeks, tiny plantlets will begin to grow at the base of the leaf, and once they are large enough, you can transplant them into their own pots.
9. Pothos
Pothos is a popular trailing vine plant known for its heart-shaped leaves and easy care. It’s an ideal plant to propagate during the fall months.
How to Propagate Pothos:
- Cut a 4- to 6-inch section of stem, making sure to include a node (the point where leaves are attached).
- Place the cutting in a jar of water and place it in a location with bright, indirect light.
- Change the water every few days.
- Once roots develop, transfer the cutting into soil to continue growing.
10. Spider Plants
Spider plants are easy-to-grow houseplants that produce “babies” or small plantlets that can be separated and propagated.
How to Propagate Spider Plants:
- Wait until the plant produces a “baby” or plantlet with roots attached.
- Gently remove the plantlet and plant it in a new pot filled with soil.
- Keep the new plantlet in a bright spot with indirect sunlight and water it regularly.
Conclusion
Propagating plants in the fall is a fantastic way to extend your garden, share plants with friends, and develop a deeper connection with nature. By taking cuttings from a variety of plants, you can fill your garden with new life and save money by growing plants from what you already have. Whether you want to create a lush herb garden, expand your indoor space with houseplants, or start a garden filled with vibrant flowers, these 10 plants are perfect for fall propagation.
Remember, the key to success is patience, proper care, and providing the right conditions for each plant. Take your time and enjoy the process of watching your new plants grow. Happy gardening!