Propagation boxes are a fantastic way to grow new plants from cuttings. They create a humid, controlled environment that helps roots develop more effectively.
Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, crafting your own propagation box is simple and rewarding. Here's how you can make one at home.
If you have full grown houseplants in your collection, you will notice that if they are healthy and happy, they love to grow and do so quickly, especially during the warm months of the year.
Making a prop box is a great idea for those houseplant cuttings that have grown to unruly lengths. It is also a good idea for compactly containing cuttings that you want to root to start more plants, either to gift or sell.
What houseplant cuttings do well in a prop box?
The best plants to propagate in a propagation box are those that thrive in high humidity and can root easily from cuttings.
- Pothos
- Extremely forgiving and roots quickly from stem cuttings.
- perfect for beginningers
- Philodendron (Heartleaf, Brasil, etc.)
- Root nodes are easy to identify, making them ideal for propagation. Philodendron houseplants
- String of Hearts
- Propagate from cuttings or tubers. The high humidity of a prop box encourages tuber growth.
- Hoya
- Particularly cuttings with nodes and leaves. Humidity speeds up their slow rooting process. Hoya houseplants
- Tradescantia
- Grows roots rapidly, even from short cuttings.
- Monstera (Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii)
- Nodes and aerial roots root quickly in a humid environment.
- Anthurium
- A bit slower, but humidity encourages healthy root systems.
- Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant)
- Grows well from single-node cuttings in a prop box.
Tips for Choosing Plants
- Opt for plants with nodes, aerial roots, or tubers
- Plants that thrive in tropical or humid environments will perform best in a propagation box.
- Avoid plants that are sensitive to excess moisture or prone to rot unless you’re confident in maintaining the proper balance of humidity.
With a little time and care, you’ll soon have a thriving collection of new plants to enjoy or share with friends. Happy propagating!
How to Make a Prop Box for Houseplant Cuttings
It is easy to make a prop box to watch all of your houseplant cuttings grow!
Materials
Tools
Instructions
- Choose a clear plastic container that allows light to enter while retaining humidity. The container should have a lid to seal in moisture and a latch. Transparent lids are ideal, but opaque lids can work if you place the container in a bright spot.
- Prepare the sphagnum moss by soaking it in a bowl of water and then squeezing it to get rid of excess water.
- Spread the damp sphagnum moss in the bottom of the container.
- Use clean scissors or pruning snips to take cuttings from your plants. Make sure each cutting has at least one node (the part of the stem where roots grow).
- Insert the cuttings into the damp spaghnum moss, ensuring the nodes are in contact with the damp material.
- Arrange them with enough space to allow airflow and prevent overcrowding.
- Close the lid to trap humidity, creating a mini-greenhouse effect.
- Place the propagation box in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. (Direct sunlight can cause overheating.)
- If you want to keep the prop box in a dark place like the bathroom, make sure you have a grow light shining towards it.
- If you’re in a colder environment, consider using a heat mat to maintain warmth.
- Check the box every few days to ensure the moss remains moist. Mist as needed.
- Open the lid briefly once a week to allow fresh air to circulate and prevent mold growth. If a smell starts to develop, you can let it air out more or even change the moss.
- Depending on the plant, roots may take 2-8 weeks to develop. You’ll know they’re ready when you see strong, healthy roots growing from the nodes.
- Once the roots are 1-2 inches long, carefully transfer the cuttings to pots with soil. Gradually acclimate them to less humid conditions to avoid shock.
- Add new cuttings to the prop box and start the process over!
Notes
Use a clear container for better visibility and monitoring.
Squeeze out sphagnum moss and don't overwater or you will have root rot.
Label your cuttings if you are propagating multiple plant varieties.
Remember that some plants take longer to root than others.