By Kelsey Deckert, Horticulture agent

NDSU Extension - Burleigh County

Fall is among us and the change of temperatures has been very evident the past week. Gardens have been put to bed. I’m guessing this time of year brings gardeners mixed emotions, with some very happy to have a break and that the growing season over. Others are sad and look for ways to keep their “green thumb” busy. There are some outdoor tasks that can still be done to make the most of the time we have outside, such as raking leaves or starting a compost pile.

If you are ready to bring your green thumb indoors for the year, I’ve got an idea for you. The holiday season is approaching, and nothing is better than giving a meaningful gift. Now is a perfect time to start propagating plants! Not only will you continue to enjoy the love of gardening, but you will also have gifts of plants to share with your friends.

Propagating houseplants is very easy and an affordable way to have a special gift or just to increase your own number of houseplants. The most common way to propagate your plant is through vegetative cuttings.

Cuttings come from an actively growing plant from which you will cut a stem, leaf or branch to start a new plant. For a branch cutting, remove a piece that is 3 to 6 inches long and has at least two nodes on it. If you are cutting a stem, remove a piece that is 2 to 3 inches long with two nodes. For a leaf cutting, leave no more than one-half inch of the petiole.

There are several media types to get roots to develop from your cuttings. Water is the easiest media that works well for any type of cutting. You can also use sand, vermiculite and perlite. You need to avoid using garden soil, as it can contain diseases, weed seeds, and won’t have the proper drainage or aeration needed for the roots to grow.

One thing to consider to speed up the root development, is dipping your cuttings into a rooting hormone. Only a small amount is needed. Simply dip the cutting into the powder and then gently tap the cutting to remove any excess.

Today there are many propagation stations available that are aesthetically pleasing that will add to your office or home décor. Many big box stores and online websites offer a variety of stations to choose from.

If you are ready to get a jumpstart on gift shopping and bring your “green thumb” indoors, consider propagating the plants you already have!

For more information about propagating plants, contact your local NDSU Extension agent. Find the Extension office for your county at ndsu.ag/countyoffice.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – Oct. 23, 2025

Source: Kelsey Deckert, 701-221-6865, kelsey.j.deckert@ndsu.edu

Editor: Kelli Anderson, 701-231-6136, kelli.c.anderson@ndsu.edu