Cuttings and rhizomes are a fascinating way to acquire rare plants at a lower price or to propagate them yourself at home – and to watch new life emerge in the process. I am passionate about this myself and know from experience: with the right conditions, rooting works much better than expected. Here I share everything I have learned.
Cuttings
A cutting is a severed shoot with at least one node – often with a leaf still attached. Root formation occurs via the node, and often the first roots can be seen after just a few weeks. This makes cuttings an easier entry point for many plant lovers.
The right conditions
| Characteristic | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Temperature | At least 20–25 °C – warmth is crucial |
| Humidity | High (70–90%) – the higher, the better |
| Light | Bright indirect light – no direct sun |
| Draft | Absolutely avoid – dries out and stresses |
A propagation box over the cutting keeps the humidity high and significantly accelerates rooting.
Rooting in water
Place the cutting in water so that the node is covered, but no leaves hang in the water. Place the glass in a bright, warm spot and change the water every 5–7 days. As soon as the roots themselves start to grow roots – or they are at least 5–7 cm long – the cuttings can be planted in soil.
Rooting in substrate
Use a very loose, airy substrate – for example, a mixture of perlite, coco coir, and some orchid bark. The substrate should be slightly moist but not wet. Alternatively, slightly moistened sphagnum moss is excellent: it retains moisture while still allowing air to reach the roots – especially popular for demanding aroids.
How long does it take?
Cuttings often show their first roots after 2–4 weeks. In winter it takes longer, in summer it's faster. If the leaf turns yellow or falls off, this doesn't necessarily mean it's a bad sign – the cutting is concentrating its energy on root formation. As long as the node is green and firm, everything is fine.
Common problems
Cutting rots instead of rooting: Substrate too wet or too little air circulation. Cut away the rotten spot generously, let the wound dry for 1–2 hours, and place the cutting in fresh, slightly moist substrate.
Nothing happens for weeks: Often too cold or too dark. Place the propagation warmer – a heating mat under the box can work wonders.
Rhizomes
A rhizome is an underground rootstock, often shipped without leaves. It sprouts new shoots from its nodes – thus working invisibly at first before anything shows. This requires more patience than a cutting but is just as fascinating.
The right conditions
| Characteristic | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Temperature | At least 20–25 °C – warmth is crucial |
| Humidity | High (70–90%) – the higher, the better |
| Light | Bright indirect light – no direct sun |
| Draft | Avoid strong drafts – some air circulation is needed |
A propagation box also helps tremendously with rhizomes. Make sure there is sufficient air – too small containers without air circulation can lead to the rhizome rotting.
Planting in substrate
Lay the rhizome flat on a very loose, airy substrate – for example, perlite, coco coir, and some orchid bark – and cover it only lightly. The node should point upwards. The substrate should be slightly moist but under no circumstances wet. Sphagnum moss is a good alternative: it retains moisture but still allows air to reach the rhizome.
How long does it take?
Rhizomes can take 4–8 weeks before anything happens at all. I once had to wait 6 months – and just when I was about to give up on the rhizome, it still sprouted. Patience is the most important ingredient here.
Common problems
Rhizome rots: Substrate too wet or too little air circulation. Cut away the rotten spot generously, let the wound dry for 1–2 hours, and place the rhizome in fresh, slightly moist substrate.
Rhizome doesn't sprout: More patience and more warmth. Check if the rhizome is still firm and green – if so, it's still working. If it becomes soft and brown, it is unfortunately lost.
Important note
For cuttings and rhizomes, I cannot guarantee successful rooting, growth, or a specific variegation pattern. This is inherent in the nature of this early growth phase – and that is precisely where the magic lies.