10 Houseplants to Propagate in Fall & Winter

Looking to expand your indoor garden without spending a dime? Fall is the perfect time to multiply your favorite houseplants through propagation.

As your plants prepare for their winter rest period, you can take advantage of this natural slowdown to create new plant babies.

Here’s our curated list of the easiest and most rewarding houseplants to propagate during autumn.

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

propagating pothos

Known as the ultimate beginner-friendly plant, pothos tops our list for good reason. These trailing beauties practically propagate themselves! Simply snip a few stems with 2-3 nodes and pop them in water. Within weeks, you’ll spot tiny roots emerging from the nodes. The best part? You can choose from various pothos varieties, including golden, marble queen, or neon, to create a stunning collection.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

These architectural stunners offer two propagation methods for plant parents to explore. You can either divide an established plant or try leaf cuttings. For leaf propagation, cut mature leaves into sections and plant them in well-draining soil. Remember to maintain the same orientation as the original leaf. These sturdy plants might take their time to root, but their patience-rewarding results make them worth the wait.

3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Mother Nature makes propagating spider plants a breeze with ready-made babies! Those dangling spiderettes are actually tiny plantlets waiting to root. Simply pin these babies to soil while they’re still attached to the mother plant. Once they develop their own root system, cut the connecting stem. Your reward? A whole family of air-purifying spider plants to brighten your home.

4. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

These glossy-leaved beauties multiply through division, making them perfect for fall propagation. Gently separate your mature ZZ plant into sections, ensuring each division has healthy rhizomes and roots. The separated plants might sulk briefly, but their tough nature ensures they bounce back quickly. These low-maintenance champions are perfect for darker corners of your home.

5. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)

These delicate trailing vines are propagation superstars in autumn. Take stem cuttings with several leaves and place them in water or moist soil. The dainty heart-shaped leaves make these plants particularly charming additions to your windowsill. Watch as they develop roots and create cascading displays that add romance to any room.

6. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)

Also known as the pancake plant, these quirky creatures naturally produce baby plants around their base. These little pups can be carefully separated from the mother plant and potted up individually. The round leaves create a unique silhouette that adds personality to your plant collection. Each baby plant becomes a full-sized specimen within months.

7. Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)

Fall is crucial for preserving these colorful beauties before frost arrives. Take stem cuttings and root them in water or soil to enjoy their vibrant foliage year-round. Their quick-rooting nature makes them particularly satisfying for impatient propagators. These plants offer endless color combinations, from deep purples to bright lime greens.

8. Tradescantia zebrina

Sometimes called wandering dude, these fast-growing plants are propagation champions. Their striped purple and silver leaves root easily from stem cuttings placed in water or soil. Create fuller plants by placing multiple cuttings in one pot. These plants reward you with rapid growth and stunning foliage that trails beautifully.

9. Philodendron

These tropical favorites are perfect candidates for fall propagation projects. Take stem cuttings with a few nodes and place them in water or moist soil. Look for sections with aerial roots for better success rates. The extensive variety of philodendron species lets you create a diverse collection from just a few parent plants.

10. Peperomia

These compact charmers offer unique propagation opportunities through leaf cuttings. Cut a healthy leaf with its stem attached and nestle it into moist soil. While they take time to root, their compact size makes them perfect for windowsill propagation stations. Their varied textures and patterns add visual interest to any plant collection.

Essential Fall Propagation Tips

Success with fall propagation requires attention to a few key factors:

  • Maintain temperatures between 65-75°F for optimal rooting
  • Provide bright, indirect light to encourage growth
  • Keep humidity levels above 50% for best results
  • Reduce watering frequency compared to summer months
  • Be patient – growth naturally slows during fall

Common Challenges and Solutions

Watch for these typical issues:

  • Rotting stems? Reduce water and increase air circulation
  • No roots appearing? Check temperature and ensure nodes are present
  • Yellowing leaves? This is normal during adjustment
  • Slow growth? Expected in fall – maintain consistent care

Final Thoughts

Fall propagation offers a rewarding way to expand your indoor jungle while working with nature’s rhythms. Each successful propagation builds your confidence and grows your collection. Remember that slower growth during this season is natural, so practice patience while your plant babies develop.

Start with easier plants like pothos or spider plants if you’re new to propagation. As your confidence grows, experiment with different methods and species. Before you know it, you’ll have plenty of new plants to enjoy or share with fellow plant enthusiasts.