Experts Reveal the Easiest Plants to Grow from Cuttings This Summer
Want more plants for free? These beginner-friendly summer cuttings are the easiest way to grow your garden.
Summer is nearly here, bringing longer days, warmer temperatures, and ideal conditions for plant propagation. June and July are excellent months to expand your indoor jungle, with the heat and light creating a nurturing environment for root development. Propagation is an easy, affordable way to grow your plant collection and share leafy joy with friends and family too.
1. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) – Coleus is known for its vibrant, velvety foliage in a rainbow of colours. It’s one of the easiest plants to propagate during the warmer months. Connor explains, “Coleus cuttings root incredibly fast in summer, thanks to the heat and humidity. Simply snip a 4–6 inch cutting just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water or moist potting mix.” Roots usually begin to appear within a week, and the new plants can be potted up quickly.
2. Begonia (Rex and Cane types) – Begonias are ideal for propagation in June and July when warmth accelerates root formation. These plants can be propagated from leaf or stem cuttings. Jo advises, “for leaf propagation, cut a healthy leaf, slightly nick the veins, and lay it flat on moist soil. For stem propagation, use a stem with at least one node and place it in water or moist soil.” Begonias thrive in bright, indirect light and high humidity, conditions commonly found in summer.
3. Tradescantia – Tradescantia is a fast-growing and low-maintenance plant perfect for summer propagation. Connor shares, “just take a few inches of stem cutting below a node, strip off the bottom leaves, and pop it into water. It’ll root quickly, often in less than a week, thanks to the heat and long daylight hours.” This trailing plant loves bright, indirect light and makes an excellent hanging or shelf plant.
4. Geranium (Pelargonium) – Summer-blooming Geraniums are great for warm-weather propagation. They love heat, and their stems root easily in soil during this time of year. Jo recommends, “take a 4–6 inch softwood cutting, strip off the lower leaves, and let it dry for an hour to reduce moisture loss. Then pop it straight into a pot with well-draining compost.” Keep it in bright, indirect sunlight and water sparingly to encourage root development.
5. Succulents – Succulents are incredibly well-suited to June/July propagation, especially through leaf or stem cuttings. Jo explains, “take a healthy leaf and let it dry for a day or two. Then lay it on well-draining soil and mist it now and then. Warm, dry air helps it grow roots and small new plants. Succulents need plenty of light—place them on a sunny windowsill or outside in partial sun.”
6. Mint and Other Herbs (e.g. Mentha, Basil, Oregano) – Herbs like mint, basil, and oregano thrive in summer and propagate really well through soft stem cuttings. Jo suggests, “snip off 4-inch cuttings just below a leaf node, strip off the bottom leaves, and place the cuttings in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill.” Mint, in particular, is quick to root and can be planted in pots or garden beds once established. Bonus: You’ll have a fresh supply for summer cocktails and salads!
Jo’s (Founder of Beards & Daisies and horticulture expert) Top Tips for Summer Propagation:
- Sunlight & Warmth: Place your cuttings near a bright window with indirect sunlight. Keep temperatures between 18–26°C for the best results.
- Clean Tools: Always use sterilised scissors or pruning shears to prevent the spread of bacteria or disease.
- Water or Soil: Use water for visible rooting, or well-draining soil for faster transition to pots. Change water regularly to avoid stagnation.
- Be Patient: While some plants root quickly, others may take several weeks. Don’t rush, good things take time.
