8 Popular Plants to Propagate from Cuttings in August 2025

8 Popular Plants to Propagate from Cuttings in August 2025

Introduction

August is a fantastic time for plant propagation, especially if you’re looking to expand your indoor or outdoor garden without spending extra money on new plants. Many popular plants root quickly from cuttings during this warm and humid season, making propagation a rewarding and budget-friendly gardening technique. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, learning how to propagate plants from cuttings can help you create a lush garden with ease.

In this article, we’ll explore 8 popular plants you can propagate from cuttings in August 2025 — complete with expert tips to ensure success.

1. Pothos

August offers ideal warm and humid conditions that encourage rapid root development in pothos cuttings. During this active growing season, the plant’s energy is focused on new growth, making propagation more successful. The longer daylight hours and consistent indoor temperatures support faster rooting in water or soil. Propagating pothos in August ensures healthy, vibrant new vines just in time for fall decorating or indoor garden expansion.

How to Propagate:

1. Choose a healthy vine with at least 4-6 inches in length.
2. Cut just below a node (where the leaf joins the stem).
3. Place the cutting in a glass of water, making sure the node is submerged.
4. Keep it in bright, indirect light.
5. Roots should appear within 7–14 days.

Pro Tip:

Change the water every 2–3 days to prevent rot and bacteria buildup.

2. Coleus 

August offers the perfect warm and humid conditions that Coleus cuttings love for quick root development. Since Coleus is a fast-growing plant during summer, propagation in August ensures vigorous growth before the cooler months set in. The vibrant foliage and easy rooting process make it an ideal time for gardeners to multiply their favorite varieties, either in water or soil, with high success rates and minimal effort.

How to Propagate:

1. Take 4–6-inch cuttings from non-flowering stems.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Dip in rooting hormone (optional).
4. Plant in moist potting mix or place in water.
5. Keep in partial shade and maintain humidity.

Pro Tip:

Mist regularly or use a humidity dome for faster rooting.

3. Geranium

August offers warm temperatures and long daylight hours, creating ideal conditions for propagating geraniums. During this time, the plant is actively growing, which helps cuttings root faster and more successfully. Propagating in August also gives new plants enough time to establish strong root systems before the cooler fall weather sets in. It’s a cost-effective and easy way to multiply your geranium collection while the plant is in peak health.

How to Propagate:

1. Cut 4–5 inch stems just below a node.
2. Remove flowers and lower leaves.
3. Allow the cutting to dry for 24 hours (callusing).
4. Plant in a well-drained potting mix.
5. Water lightly and keep in bright, indirect light.

Pro Tip:

Geraniums root better in soil than water.

4. Rosemary

August offers the perfect warm temperatures and longer daylight hours that rosemary cuttings need to root successfully. During this active growing season, the plant’s stems are semi-hardwood, which is ideal for propagation. The consistent warmth speeds up root development, while the reduced risk of frost allows new cuttings to establish well. Propagating rosemary in August ensures strong, healthy plants before the cooler fall weather sets in.

How to Propagate:

1. Cut 4–6-inch sprigs from non-flowering stems.
2. Strip off lower leaves, leaving the top few.
3. Dip in rooting hormone.
4. Insert into sandy or cactus potting mix.
5. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Pro Tip:

Cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity but ventilate daily to prevent mold.

5. Jade Plant

August is an ideal month to propagate Jade plants because the warm temperatures and longer daylight hours promote faster root development. This succulent enters its active growing phase during summer, making it more responsive to propagation efforts. The dry conditions typical of August also reduce the risk of rot, especially when cuttings are allowed to callus properly before planting. It’s the perfect time to multiply your jade collection effortlessly.

How to Propagate:

1. Choose a healthy leaf or a 3–4 inch stem cutting.
2. Allow it to dry for 2–3 days to callus.
3. Plant in succulent soil mix.
4. Mist lightly every 2–3 days.
5. Keep in a bright, warm area away from direct sun.

Pro Tip:

Don’t overwater — jade prefers dry conditions to root successfully.

6. Hydrangea

August is an ideal time to propagate hydrangeas because the warm temperatures and high humidity encourage quick root development. During this period, the plant is still in its active growing phase, which helps cuttings establish more easily. Softwood stems taken in August are flexible and root faster than older, woody stems. Propagating now also gives new plants time to grow strong before the cooler fall weather arrives.

How to Propagate:

1. Take a 5–6 inch cutting from a healthy branch.
2. Remove lower leaves; keep top two.
3. Dip in rooting hormone.
4. Plant in moist, well-drained soil.
5. Cover with a plastic dome to maintain moisture.

Pro Tip:

Place in indirect sunlight and mist daily to prevent wilting.

7. Lavender

August is the ideal time to propagate lavender because the warm temperatures and long days promote strong root development. During this period, lavender’s semi-hardwood stems are at the perfect stage for cuttings. The dry summer conditions also reduce the risk of rot, making it easier for cuttings to thrive. By propagating in August, your new plants will have enough time to establish before the cooler fall weather arrives.

How to Propagate:

1. Take 4-inch cuttings from this year’s growth.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Dip the end in rooting hormone.
4. Plant in well-drained, sandy soil.
5. Keep soil slightly moist and place in bright light.

Pro Tip:

Don’t let the soil get soggy — good drainage is critical for lavender.

8. Begonia

August provides the perfect warm and humid conditions that Begonias need for successful propagation. During this time, the plant is in its active growing phase, which boosts the chances of rapid root development from stem or leaf cuttings. High summer humidity also helps reduce transplant shock and supports healthy leaf growth, making it an ideal month to expand your Begonia collection with minimal effort.

How to Propagate:

1. Use a healthy leaf with a stem or take a 4-inch stem cutting.
2. Place in water or potting mix.
3. Cover with plastic to create humidity.
4. Roots should appear in 2–3 weeks.

Pro Tip:

Don’t expose yourself to direct sun. Indirect bright light is best for begonias during propagation.

Benefits of Propagating Plants in August

• Warm soil and air temperatures boost root development.
• Extended daylight hours encourage photosynthesis in new cuttings.
• Humidity helps maintain moisture, reducing transplant shock.
• Perfect time to get young plants established before fall.

Common Tools You’ll Need for Successful Propagation

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Using dull scissors: This can crush stems and delay rooting.
• Overwatering: One of the top causes of cutting failure.
• Direct sunlight: Harsh rays can dry out or burn fragile cuttings.
• Ignoring humidity: Dry air leads to wilting and failed propagation.
• Skipping rooting hormone: Slows down the process, especially for woody plants.

What to Do After Rooting?

Once your cuttings show signs of root growth (typically 2–4 weeks, depending on the plant), you can:

1. Transplant them into larger pots.
2. Harden them off by gradually exposing them to more sun or outdoor conditions.
3. Fertilize lightly after 4–6 weeks to encourage new growth.
4. Monitor regularly for pests or mold, especially on indoor plants.

Create a Propagation Station at Home

If you’re serious about plant propagation, set up a small corner at home:

• A bright windowsill for indirect sunlight.
• Humidity trays or mini greenhouses.
• A labeling system to track the date and type of cutting.
• A rotating schedule to mist, check, and transplant.

FAQ

Q1: How long does it take for cuttings to root?
A: Depending on the plant, it can take anywhere from 7 to 30 days.

Q2: Do all cuttings need rooting hormone?
A: No, but woody or semi-hardwood cuttings benefit from it.

Q3: Is it better to propagate in water or soil?
A: Some plants root faster in water (like pothos), while others prefer soil (like rosemary).

Q4: Can I propagate outdoors in August?
A: Yes, especially in shaded areas or under controlled humidity.

Q5: What’s the best time of day to take cuttings?
A: Early morning, when the plant is most hydrated.

Final Thoughts

Propagating plants from cuttings is one of the most satisfying and cost-effective ways to expand your garden. August provides the perfect conditions, warm temperatures, plenty of daylight, and natural humidity, to successfully root a variety of plants.

From fast-rooting pothos to fragrant rosemary and vibrant coleus, these 8 popular plants will not only multiply your green collection but also sharpen your gardening skills.