How to Propagate Houseplants by Leaf Vein Cuttings

Leaf vein cuttings are produced using a large leaf blade pinned flat to the rooting media to produce a new plant. New roots, leaves, or small plantlets emerge from the areas on the leaf blade where leaf veins have been cut and come in contact with rooting media. Leaf vein cuttings work well for species such as begonia.

To successfully propagate houseplants by cuttings, there are several factors that have to be considered, such as the rooting media, rooting hormones, decreasing water loss, and finding the right environmental conditions (humidity, light, and temperature).

When to Propagate

Early spring is the ideal time to propagate by cuttings. Although, most houseplants can be successfully propagated any time of the year.

Rooting Media for Cuttings

Many different types of media can be used to root cuttings. The rooting media needs to have a good balance of water and air holding capacity to support the formation of new advantageous roots.

Common Media Types include:

Perlite – good drainage holding just enough water for cuttings, excellent aeration, neutral pH, and provides good support to hold cuttings in place
Sand – good water drainage and aeration, holds cutting upright well, may need to be sterilized before use
Coarse sphagnum moss – high moisture retention; good aeration when not compacted, can be difficult to wet thoroughly if it dries out completely
Vermiculite - holds water well and has a neutral pH
Peat moss – great moisture holding capacity, can occasionally stay too wet, acidic pH, great to mix with other media types
Potting soil – use only if amended to be very well-drained; tends to hold too much water and not enough air

You can also use mixtures of these different media types. Popular mixtures include sand with peat moss and perlite with peat moss.

The container used to hold the rooting media needs to be clean and sterile with good drainage. Containers or trays should be at least 2 inches deep to allow space for new roots to develop. Always moisten or wet the media before sticking the cuttings.

Decreasing Water Loss

Because most cuttings are missing roots, they have a very limited capacity to take up water. Decreasing the water lost from the cutting is very important. A few steps you can take to reduce water loss and have greater success rooting cuttings include:

Start with fully hydrated cuttings. Water parent plants the day before, so leaves and stems are fully hydrated.
Process or stick cuttings as quickly as possible.
If cuttings need to be stored, store them with the cut ends wrapped in a moist paper towel in a cool location with low light.
Stem cuttings with large leaves should have some of the leaves removed or the large leaves trimmed down in size to reduce the surface area where moisture can be lost.

High humidity is essential for successful rooting. Enclose the pot in a plastic bag or clear plastic dome to help keep humidity levels high. Use chopsticks, straws, wire loops, or other devices to keep the plastic off the stems and leaves. Do not seal the bag tightly to allow for some air to be exchanged.

Rooting Hormones

Rooting hormones are often applied to cuttings to promote root formation. They are typically used as a powder or as a concentrated liquid in which the cuttings are dipped.

The two synthetic auxins most frequently used are IBA (indolebutyric acid) and NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid). Various concentrations are available. Consult the label to determine the appropriate concentration based on the type of cutting you are taking.

When using powder forms, start by placing a small amount of powder in a separate container or on a paper plate or towel. Never return leftover material to the original container or dip cutting directly into the original container as disease issues can be easily spread this way. To apply, dust the powder on the cut surfaces of the leaf vein. Liquid forms are less practical to use for leaf vein cuttings.

Do not over-apply. Too much rooting hormone can sometimes slow root development.

Store rooting hormones in their original containers in a cool, dark location. After approximately two years the efficacy of rooting hormone drops sharply and they should be replaced.

Light and Temperature

Plants need to photosynthesize to produce new roots and shoots, so 4 to 6 hours of bright indirect light is important. Too much light can burn foliage or elevate temperatures too high, especially under plastic bags or domes. Too little light will slow the root formation process and could allow the cutting to rot or dry out before new roots form.

Cuttings root faster in warm air and rooting media. Air temperature between 65°F and 75°F is ideal. For good results, consider using a heat mat to raise the rooting media temperature to between 75°F and 80°F.

How to Propagate by Leaf Vein Cuttings

Remove a firm, healthy leaf.
Cut the major veins on the underside of a leaf.
Treat cut veins of the leaf with rooting hormone, if desired
Lay the leaf (lower side/vein side down) on the rooting medium, and pin the leaf firmly to the rooting medium with hairpins, floral pins, or paper clips
Water the rooting medium and allow it to drain for a few minutes.
Place the cutting in a warm location with bright indirect light and high humidity
Check cuttings frequently
- Moisten the media if it is dry
- Adjust light, humidity, or temperature, if needed
Small plantlets and roots will develop where the major veins have been cut. New plantlets usually appear in six to eight weeks.
Separate the plants by carefully pulling or cutting them apart.
- Once new plantlets have formed and have rooted in, the original leaf blade (or what's left of it) can be disposed of.
Pot new plants in regular potting soil
Once potted, keep the new plant well-watered and in bright, indirect light.
- The plant should be well established within a few weeks and it can be moved to its preferred location indoors
Once established, begin regular fertilization

Houseplants Best Propagated by Leaf Vein Cuttings

Begonia masoniana (Iron Cross Begonia)
Begonia rex (Rex Begonia)

A complete list of plants well-suited for propagation by cuttings can be found in this article: Propagating Houseplants

More Information

Authors:

Aaron Steil

Last reviewed:

December 2023