One of the many amazing things about gardening is that you can expand your collection or garden with a single cutting. This simple method is quicker than if you start from seed and can even save you a ton of money as buying plants gets very expensive.
Share this process of growing new plants from just a few stems with your kids -- it makes for a fun and educational experience!
Here are 15 of the easiest plants to grow from cuttings:
Flowering Plants
Fuchsia
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Fuchsias are easy to grow from cuttings, and they make great houseplants. This plant has over 100 species, and its flowers come in a variety of colors including pink, purple, red, and white.
Geraniums
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Did you know that geraniums are one of the oldest plants in cultivation? They've been around since the 1600s! These beautiful flowers come in a wide range of colors, from white and pink to purple and red. Despite their delicate appearance, geraniums are actually quite hardy plants that can thrive in a variety of climates. Whether you're looking to add a pop of color to your garden or simply enjoy the scent of these lovely flowers, geraniums are a great choice.
Coleus
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Coleus plants are typically low-growing and have fleshy, square stems. The leaves are usually opposite each other on the stem and can be either simple or deeply lobed. Coleus plants are not frost-tolerant and should be brought indoors or grown as annuals in cold climates.
Wax Begonia
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Wax begonias are fashionable flowering plants that come in a variety of colors and patterns. They are popular houseplants because they're easy to care for and have beautiful flowers. Wax begonias prefer shady areas and need moist soil to thrive. If you're looking for a low-maintenance plant to propagate, a wax begonia is a great choice!
Evergreens
Boxwood
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Boxwoods are popular evergreen shrubs that are often used as hedges or topiaries. They’re easy to grow from cuttings and are often used as hedges or as ornamental plants in gardens. The wood of the boxwood is hard and dense, making it valuable for carving and woodworking. Boxwoods can live for hundreds of years; the oldest known boxwood tree is over 1,000 years old!
Spruce
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The wood of spruce trees is light and strong, making it a popular choice for building materials. Spruces are beautiful trees that add interest and variety to any landscape. If you're looking for a unique tree to plant in your yard, a spruce is a great option!
Juniper
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Junipers are simple to cultivate from cuttings, and also make great landscape plants. Junipers are known for their fragrant wood and berries, which are often used in culinary dishes and as a natural remedy. The juniper berry is also the main component in gin!
Some juniper species are threatened by deforestation and habitat loss. However, many people are working to protect these beautiful trees. You can help by planting a juniper tree in your own backyard!
Flowering Trees
Magnolia
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Magnolias are popular flowering trees that come in a variety of colors including pink, white, and purple. The flowers of the Magnolia tree are very fragrant, and the tree is often used as an ornamental plant in gardens. The wood of the Magnolia tree is also used in furniture making and for other woodworking projects.
Redbud
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These flowering trees are generally considered to be low-maintenance trees and they are tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions. They are also quite impervious to pests and diseases. Redbuds make excellent ornamental trees for gardens and landscapes.
Crabapple
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Crabapples are common flowering trees that come in a variety of colors including white, pink, and red. There are over 100 species of crabapple trees, and they are a great food source for birds and other animals.
Fruit Trees
Cherry
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Cherries are popular fruit trees that come in a variety of colors including white, pink, and red. Cherry trees are lovely ornamental trees that are popular in many gardens. They are relatively easy to care for and produce beautiful blossoms in the spring.
Apple
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These popular fruit trees come in a variety of colors including green, yellow, and red. They are a good source of fiber and vitamins A and C. They also have antioxidants, which can help shield your cells from damage.
Pear
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Pears are a good source of fiber and contain vitamins C and K. They can be eaten raw or cooked and are often used in pies and other desserts.
Quince
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Quinces are popular fruit trees that come in a variety of colors including green, yellow, and red. They are used in many culinary dishes, including jams, jellies, and preserves. The quince is also used in traditional medicine for its various health benefits.
Apricot
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Apricots are also a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. Apricots can be eaten fresh or dried, and they are often used in baking or as a topping for desserts.
A Quick Guide To Propagating Your Cuttings
To get started, all you need is a sharp knife or pair of scissors, a pot or container filled with well-draining soil, and some patience. Once you have your supplies ready, simply take a cutting from the mother plant (making sure to get a few inches of stem), then remove the lower leaves so that only 2-3 are left.
Next, dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder or gel (this will help encourage root growth), then insert it into the soil. Make sure to keep the soil moist but not wet, and within a few weeks, you should see new growth emerging from the cutting!
In Summary
If you’re looking for an easy way to propagate new plants, look no further than your garden. In this article, we've listed fifteen of the easiest plants that can be propagated by cuttings. Have you tried propagating plants from cuttings before? What tips would you add to our list? Let us know in the comments below!