Dreaming of a full, green backyard without spending a fortune at the garden center? The good news is you don’t need seeds, fancy equipment, or even much experience. Many of the most beautiful and useful plants can be grown from simple cuttings—often taken from plants you already have or from a generous neighbor.
With a little patience, a glass of water, and some soil, you can multiply your garden for free. Below are 20 easy plants you can grow from cuttings, plus tips to help them thrive.
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the easiest herbs to propagate. Snip a healthy stem about 4–6 inches long, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist soil. Within a few weeks, roots will form. Once established, rosemary is drought-tolerant and long-lasting.
2. Mint
Mint practically grows itself. Place a cutting in water and watch roots appear in days. Because mint spreads aggressively, it’s best grown in containers unless you want it to take over your yard.
3. Basil
Basil roots quickly in water. Cut just below a leaf node, remove lower leaves, and place the stem in a glass on a sunny windowsill. Once roots appear, transplant into soil for a steady supply of fresh leaves.
4. Lavender
Lavender takes a bit more patience but is well worth it. Use semi-woody cuttings, plant them in well-draining soil, and keep lightly moist. Once rooted, lavender rewards you with fragrance, color, and pollinators.
5. Geranium
Geraniums are incredibly forgiving. Let cuttings dry for a few hours before planting to prevent rot. These flowers thrive in pots and bloom generously with minimal care.
6. Pothos
Perfect for beginners, pothos roots easily in water and tolerates low light. A single vine can become multiple houseplants in just a few months.
7. Snake Plant
Snake plants can be propagated from leaf cuttings placed in soil. They grow slowly, but they’re nearly indestructible and excellent for indoor air quality.
8. Coleus
Coleus offers bold foliage in vibrant colors. Cuttings root quickly in water and can be transplanted outdoors or kept as colorful houseplants.
9. Fig Tree
Fig trees propagate well from hardwood cuttings. Plant directly into soil during dormancy and keep moist. In time, you could have a fruit-producing tree grown entirely for free.
10. Rose
Roses may seem intimidating, but they can grow from cuttings with the right care. Use healthy stems, remove flowers, and plant in loose soil. Keep humid until roots form.
11. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas root well from softwood cuttings in early summer. With patience, one shrub can become several, filling your yard with large, colorful blooms.
12. Thyme
Thyme is another hardy herb that roots easily. Cut young stems and plant them in sandy, well-draining soil. Once established, thyme needs little water.
13. Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet potato vines grow readily in water. Cuttings quickly sprout roots and lush leaves, making them great for ground cover or containers.
14. African Violet
These houseplants can grow from a single leaf cutting. Place the stem in water or soil, and new plants will form at the base.
15. Blackberry
Blackberries can be propagated from cane cuttings. Once rooted, they grow vigorously and can provide fresh fruit year after year.
16. Jade Plant
Jade plants root easily from both stem and leaf cuttings. Allow the cut end to dry before planting to prevent rot. They thrive with minimal watering.
17. Lemon Balm
This lemon-scented herb roots quickly in water and spreads easily once planted. It’s great for teas and attracts beneficial insects.
18. Willow
Willow trees root so easily that simply placing a branch in water often works. They’re excellent for fast-growing shade or erosion control.
19. Succulents
Many succulents grow from fallen leaves. Let the leaf dry, place it on soil, and mist lightly. New plants will form at the base.
20. Honeysuckle
Honeysuckle vines can be propagated from cuttings taken in late spring or summer. Once established, they provide fragrant flowers and attract pollinators.
Tips for Success When Growing from Cuttings
Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruners
Remove lower leaves to prevent rot
Change water regularly if rooting in water
Use well-draining soil for most plants
Be patient—some cuttings take weeks to root
Final Thoughts
Growing plants from cuttings isn’t just economical—it’s empowering. Watching a simple stem turn into a thriving plant connects you to nature and helps you build a lush garden without spending money. Start small, experiment freely, and before long, you’ll have more plants than you know what to do with.
