6 Easy Plants You Can Grow From Cuttings Before Autumn

As summer begins to wind down, many gardeners start thinking ahead to autumn. But before you pack away the watering can and resign yourself to shorter days, there’s one gardening task that could reward you for months – even years – to come.

Late summer is one of the best times of the year to propagate plants. With warm temperatures, plenty of natural light and active growth still taking place, August and September offer ideal conditions for encouraging new roots to develop.

If you’ve ever admired a friend’s thriving houseplant collection and wondered how they afford so many plants, here’s a secret: many plant lovers rarely buy new ones. Instead, they simply make more from the plants they already own.

Whether you’re looking to fill empty shelves, create thoughtful gifts for friends or simply enjoy the satisfaction of growing something from scratch, these are some of the easiest plants to propagate before summer ends.

Pothos: The Plant That Almost Propagates Itself

Pothos has become one of the most popular houseplants in the UK, and for good reason. Its trailing vines look beautiful in almost any room, and it’s remarkably easy to multiply.

Simply snip a healthy stem just below a leaf node and place it in a glass of water. Within a couple of weeks, tiny white roots often begin to appear. Once the roots are established, the cutting can be transferred into compost where it will continue to grow into a brand-new plant.

For beginners, it’s one of the most rewarding propagation projects you can try.

Spider Plants Give You Free Babies

Spider plants are perhaps nature’s most generous houseplants.

Mature plants regularly produce little offshoots, often called “babies” or “pups”, which dangle from the parent plant like miniature versions of themselves.

By late summer, many of these pups already have small roots forming. Snip them away from the parent plant and place them into water or directly into soil. Before long, they’ll establish themselves and begin growing independently.

It’s one of the easiest ways to expand your indoor garden without spending a penny.

Peperomia Is Small but Surprisingly Productive

Peperomia plants may be compact, but they offer plenty of propagation potential.

Many varieties can be grown from either stem cuttings or even individual leaves. Their attractive foliage and manageable size make them ideal for desks, shelves and smaller living spaces.

Keeping humidity levels slightly higher during the rooting process can help speed things along, making late summer’s naturally warmer conditions particularly useful.

The Slow-and-Steady ZZ Plant

The ZZ plant has earned a reputation as one of the toughest houseplants around. It tolerates neglect, low light and occasional missed watering sessions better than most.

Propagating one requires a little more patience.

Individual leaf cuttings can be placed into moist compost where, over time, they will begin developing roots and eventually produce new growth. The process isn’t fast, but starting now gives young plants the advantage of late summer warmth before winter arrives.

For patient plant lovers, the results are worth the wait.

Rosemary: Grow More of Your Favourite Herb

Houseplants aren’t the only candidates for propagation at this time of year.

If you grow rosemary in the garden or on a sunny patio, now is an excellent opportunity to take cuttings before temperatures begin to cool.

Young, flexible stems tend to root most successfully. Once planted into free-draining compost and kept lightly moist, many cuttings will establish themselves and continue growing through autumn.

Considering the price of fresh herbs in supermarkets, it’s an easy way to save money while keeping your kitchen supplied.

Hoya: Perfect for Future Plant Displays

Hoyas have enjoyed a surge in popularity thanks to their glossy leaves and attractive trailing habit.

Late summer warmth helps encourage root growth, making now an excellent time to propagate these tropical favourites. A simple stem cutting placed in water or moist compost can quickly become the foundation of a new plant ready to thrive indoors during the colder months.

For anyone looking to create a fuller display or share plants with friends, hoyas are a great option.

Three Simple Rules for Successful Propagation

While every plant is slightly different, successful propagation usually comes down to three key ingredients:

Give Cuttings Plenty of Light

Bright, indirect sunlight helps encourage healthy growth without scorching delicate new roots.

Keep Everything Clean

Using sterilised scissors or secateurs reduces the risk of introducing disease or bacteria to vulnerable cuttings.

Don’t Rush the Process

Some plants root within days, while others may take weeks or even months. The temptation to constantly check on progress can be strong, but patience is often the secret ingredient.

As summer slowly gives way to autumn, taking a few cuttings now could leave you with an entire collection of new plants by next year. And in a time when even a small houseplant can cost £10 or more, that might be one of the easiest ways to grow your indoor jungle without growing your spending.

Article inspired by propagation advice and plant recommendations shared by Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies.

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