Propagating Houseplants in Winter

Houseplants are often left alone in the winter because growth slows down, but that does not mean that taking cuttings is impossible. Although spring remains the ideal period, plant owners can also successfully propagate during the colder months by controlling the right environmental factors. It is an efficient way to grow new plants while the mother plant is dormant. In this blog, we look at the practical approach to winter cuttings.

Why propagating houseplants in winter is different

In winter, most plants enter a dormant state due to the lack of sunlight and lower temperatures. Sap flow is slower, meaning it takes longer for a cutting to develop roots. This process requires more precision and patience than in the summer; whereas a cutting roots within a few days during the growing season, this can now take several weeks.

The 3 most important success factors for winter cuttings

Anyone taking cuttings in winter must manually optimize natural conditions to prevent failure:

1. Light intensity: Because the sun's intensity is weak, cuttings need a spot directly in the window frame. Be aware of cold drafts near poorly insulated windows.

2. Temperature control: A constant temperature is essential. Avoid drafty spots. A location near a radiator is acceptable, provided the humidity does not become too low.

3. Limited watering: Because evaporation is lower, the risk of rot is greater. Preferably use the water method to closely monitor root development.

Which houseplants can you propagate in winter?

Not every species is suitable for propagation during the winter months. The best results are achieved with strong varieties that respond well to the water method:

• Pancake plant (Pilea peperomioides): The baby plants at the base can be cut off all year round. Read more on our blog: Pancake Plant Cuttings.

• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): The runners are very robust and root relatively quickly even in low light. Read more on our blog: Chlorophytum Propagation.

• Scindapsus and Epipremnum: These climbing plants are undemanding and develop roots steadily in a glass of water. Read more on our blog: Scindapsus Cuttings.

• Sansevieria: Although growth is slow, these plants are well resistant to the dry air from central heating. Read more on our blog: Sansevieria Cuttings.

Step-by-step plan: Cuttings in water in winter

Water cuttings are the most straightforward method in winter because you can intervene immediately in the event of rot.

1. Use clean equipment: Cut the cutting with a disinfected knife or sharp scissors to prevent infections on the mother plant.

2. Determine the cutting site: Always cut just below a node (the place where the leaf attaches to the stem), as this is where most of the growth cells are located.

3. Use lukewarm water: Prevent temperature shocks by using water at room temperature.

4. Change the water regularly: Do this at least once a week to maintain oxygen levels and limit bacterial growth.

Common problems with winter cuttings

The biggest risk with winter cuttings is root rot. When a stem turns soft or brown, the process is often irreversible. This is usually the result of a water temperature that is too low combined with insufficient light. Therefore, check the cuttings more often than in the summer for abnormal colors or textures on the underside of the stem.

Propagating houseplants in winter is a matter of technique and monitoring. Due to slow growth, more patience is required, but with the right focus on light and warmth, the collection can be expanded year-round. Now that you know how to successfully propagate your plants, the next step is to guide both the mother plant and the new cuttings through the dark months in good health. For more specific advice on the overall condition of your plants during this period, you can read more in our blog: Caring for Houseplants in Winter