Propagation simply means making new plants from existing ones. There are several methods, and choosing the right one depends on the plant and what you want: an exact copy of a favourite variety, lots of cheap plants, or a whole new individual from seed. This hub explains the main methods and points you to the detailed how-to guides for each.
Sexual vs vegetative propagation
There are two broad routes. Seed (sexual) mixes two parents’ genes, so seedlings vary and may not match the parent — great for species and breeding. Vegetative methods (cuttings, division, layering, grafting) clone the parent, giving an exact copy — the way to reproduce a named cultivar reliably.
The main methods at a glance
| Method | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Seed | Grows new plants from seed | Vegetables, annuals, species, large numbers |
| Cuttings | Roots a piece of stem/leaf/root | Many houseplants, shrubs, herbs, succulents |
| Division | Splits a clumping plant into pieces | Perennials, grasses, clumping houseplants |
| Layering | Roots a stem while still attached | Woody plants hard to root from cuttings |
| Grafting | Joins a chosen top onto a rootstock | Fruit trees, roses, cacti |
Seeds
The most natural route and the cheapest for large numbers, but offspring vary. See seed germination and starting seeds“>seed germination for the practical how-to.
Cuttings and division
The everyday vegetative methods for gardeners and houseplant growers — fast, cheap and true to type. Our guide to propagating from cuttings and division“>cuttings and division covers stem, leaf and root cuttings and how to split clumps.
Layering
Layering roots a stem while it’s still attached to the parent, so it can’t dry out before it roots — ideal for woody plants that resist ordinary cuttings. Air layering“>Air layering does this on an upright stem, high off the ground.
Grafting
Grafting joins a chosen variety (the scion) onto a rootstock, combining the best of both — the standard way fruit trees and many roses are produced. Learn how and why in plant grafting“>plant grafting.
How to choose a method
- Want an exact copy of a variety? Use a vegetative method (cuttings, division, layering or grafting), not seed.
- Want lots of plants cheaply? Seed or cuttings.
- Plant won’t root from cuttings? Try layering or grafting.
- Fruit tree true to type, on a controlled rootstock? Grafting.
Quick questions
Which propagation method is easiest? Division and stem cuttings are the most beginner-friendly and true to type; seed is easy too but offspring vary.
Why won’t my cutting grow the same as the parent from seed? Seedlings mix both parents’ genes; only vegetative methods clone the parent exactly.
Related guides
- Seed germination“>Seed germination · cuttings & division“>cuttings & division · air layering“>air layering · grafting“>grafting
- Propagation equipment“>Propagation equipment · grafting tools & supplies“>grafting tools
- rooting hormone
