How to propagate five of the UK’s most popular houseplants

In 2026, London’s growing community of plant lovers are embracing propagation as both a cost-effective and creative way to expand their indoor  plant collections. Here in London, spring or early summer is the best time to propagate houseplants as the longer days support active, strong growth.

Whether you're looking to multiply your collection or share cuttings with friends, here is a ‘how to’ guide that will show you how to propagate five of the most popular houseplants easily and quickly.

Pothos (Epipremnum)

Can you propagate Pothos in water?

Propagating your Epipremnum (commonly known as pothos) is a simple, beginner-friendly way to grow your indoor plant collection. Propagation is best done in water, and you’ll typically start seeing roots in as little as 1-2 weeks. 

To propagate, start by selecting a healthy vine with several leaves. Using clean secateurs, cut just below a ‘node’ (the small bump where leaves and roots grow). Each cutting should have at least one or two leaves and a node, as this is where new roots will form. Remove any lower leaves to prevent rot and place your cutting in a glass or jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged while the leaves remain above the surface. 

Position it in bright, indirect light and replace the water every few days to reduce the chance of rot. Within 1–3 weeks, you’ll notice roots developing and once they’re a few centimetres long, transfer the cutting into well-draining soil and keep it lightly moist as it adjusts.

Epipremnum propagation is low-maintenance and highly rewarding, making it perfect for sharing cuttings, saving money, and expanding your indoor greenery effortlessly.

Spider Plant 

Photo by Elly M on Unsplash

Propagating a spider plant is another easy and rewarding way to grow your indoor garden, making it especially popular among Londoners looking for low-cost, space-saving greenery. Spider plants naturally produce “pups,” also known as spiderettes, which grow on long stems extending from the mother plant. Look for aerial roots – they’re ready to be propagated once these small offshoots have developed a few leaves and visible nodes. 

You’ll want to gently cut a healthy pup from the main plant using clean secateurs. Spiderettes can be rooted in water or soil and will entirely depend on your preference.

Water propagation: 

Place the base of the spiderette in a jar or glass of water, ensuring the leaves stay above the surface. Position it in bright, indirect light and after a couple of weeks roots should start to form. 

Soil propagation:

Alternatively, you can plant the spiderette directly into moist, well-draining soil, where it will establish quickly with regular watering.

Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)

Once again we have the ever-popular Monstera on the list. Praised as virtually ‘unkillable’ plant, it also sits here proudly on the top five easiest houseplants to propagate. 

Can you propagate Monstera from just a leaf?

You cannot solely propagate Monstera from just a leaf cutting – this is key – look for a ‘node’ on your Monstera and carefully make a cut just below it, as this is where the new roots will form. Your cutting should also have at least one leaf and aerial roots showing. 

Water propagation: 

Place the Monstera node in a jar or glass of water, ensuring the leaves stay above the surface. Position it in bright, indirect light and after a couple of weeks roots should start to form. 

Soil propagation:

Alternatively, you can plant your Monstera cutting directly into moist, well-draining soil, where it will establish quickly with regular watering.

Monstera’s like a lot of light so try placing yours on a very bright windowsill in your home, but take care not to scorch it, particularly with the summer months approaching. 

Snake plant

Is it better to divide or leaf-propagate a snake plant?

The most reliable method for snake plant propagation is division, where you cut a full section from the main plant, ensuring the cutting has roots. Using a sterile knife, carefully cut down the leaf all the way to the roots. If you do choose to leaf propagate, let the cutting dry or ‘callus’ for 24 hours to prevent rot. 

Place your cutting into fresh succulent or cacti potting mix. For best success, use well-draining compost and avoid overwatering as snake plants are very prone to rot while establishing. Place newly divided plants or cuttings in a bright spot with indirect light, and let the soil dry slightly between waterings to encourage strong, healthy root growth.

ZZ Plant 

Similar to the Snake Plant, ZZ plants propagate best through division rather than a leaf cutting. ZZ plants are naturally slow to propagate, although very rewarding. Make sure your secateurs are clean and take your cutting ensuring there are roots attached as this will ensure the fastest growth. ZZ plants are extremely sensitive to root rot so let your cutting dry for 48 hours. 

Water propagation:

Place your cutting in water ensuring just the roots are submerged. Replace the water every few days to reduce the chance of rot. You can also add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to keep the water oxygenated. 

Soil propagation: 

Pop your ZZ cutting into fresh, well draining soil. Do note that soil propagating your ZZ plant is a very slow process, often taking at least 3 months to show new roots, but it does encourage very strong initial root growth if you follow this method.