If you think the growing season ends with summer, think again. November is actually one of the best months to propagate houseplants from cuttings – especially those that thrive indoors.
Even though temperatures drop outside, your warm home provides the perfect environment for roots to form and new growth to begin.
Propagation in late autumn allows plants to develop strong root systems during winter, so they can burst into healthy, vibrant growth come spring.
And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment – just a few healthy parent plants, clean scissors, and a bit of patience.
Why November Is a Great Time for Propagation
While spring and summer are ideal for fast growth, fall propagation has its own advantages.
Cooler air and stable indoor temperatures reduce stress on new cuttings, while indirect sunlight and consistent humidity encourage steady root development.
Benefits of propagating houseplants in November:
- Lower risk of fungal infections and sunburn on young cuttings.
- Indoor humidity and warmth create ideal rooting conditions.
- Slow winter growth allows roots to strengthen before rapid spring growth.
- You can grow new plants for free – perfect for holiday gifting.
With just a few simple steps, you can multiply your favorite plants and fill your home with lush greenery during the cold months ahead.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Why it’s perfect for November: Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate any time of year, and November is no exception. This resilient vining plant roots effortlessly in both water and soil.
How to Propagate:
- Cut a 4–6 inch section of vine just below a node (the point where a leaf joins the stem).
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving 2–3 at the top.
- Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the nodes are submerged.
- Keep it in bright, indirect light and change the water every 5 days.
Once roots reach about 2 inches, transplant the cutting into soil. Within a few weeks, you’ll have a brand-new pothos plant thriving on your windowsill.
Bonus Tip: For faster root growth, add a drop of liquid fertilizer or a teaspoon of honey (a natural rooting booster) to the water.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why it’s perfect for November: Spider plants naturally produce baby offshoots called “pups” – small clones of the parent plant. These pups can root easily, even during cooler months.
How to Propagate:
- Look for a spider plant that has small plantlets with tiny roots starting to form.
- Gently cut the pups from the long stems.
- Place them in water or directly in a pot with moist, well-draining soil.
- Keep them in a bright, warm spot and mist occasionally to maintain humidity.
Why You’ll Love It: Spider plants grow quickly, purify indoor air, and are nearly indestructible – making them one of the best low-maintenance houseplants for winter propagation.
3. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Why it’s perfect for November: Snake plants are slow growers, but November’s gentle indoor climate allows their thick leaves to root without drying out.
How to Propagate:
- Cut a mature, healthy leaf into 3–4 inch sections.
- Let the cuttings dry for 1–2 days so the ends can callous (preventing rot).
- Plant each section upright in a small pot with well-draining succulent soil.
- Water sparingly and keep in indirect light.
In about 4–6 weeks, roots and small shoots will emerge from the base. Snake plants are nearly impossible to kill, and each cutting will eventually grow into a full, upright plant.
Extra Tip: Mark the top end of the leaf – planting it upside down will prevent rooting.
4. Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Why it’s perfect for November: Philodendrons root fast and grow beautifully indoors, even in low-light rooms. Their heart-shaped leaves make them an ideal plant for propagation during shorter winter days.
How to Propagate:
- Snip a stem cutting 4–6 inches long, just below a node.
- Remove any leaves near the bottom.
- Place the stem in a glass of water or moist potting mix.
- Keep in indirect light at room temperature (18–24°C).
Roots should appear within two weeks. Once established, transplant to soil and watch your new philodendron flourish.
Pro Tip: Keep the humidity around 50–60% to encourage lush, glossy leaves.
5. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Why it’s perfect for November: Jade plants, members of the succulent family, love cooler, drier air – making late autumn an excellent time for propagation.
How to Propagate:
- Choose a healthy, mature leaf or small stem cutting.
- Allow it to dry for 2–3 days until the end forms a callous.
- Place it on top of moist, sandy soil.
- Mist occasionally until roots form (usually within 2–4 weeks).
Once rooted, move your jade plant to a sunny windowsill. Jade symbolizes luck and prosperity – perfect timing for the upcoming holiday season!
Extra Tip: Don’t overwater during rooting; too much moisture can cause rot.
6. Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
Why it’s perfect for November: Coleus is one of the most colorful and easy-to-root indoor plants. Its soft stems root rapidly in water, even when temperatures drop outside.
How to Propagate:
- Cut a 4–5 inch stem just below a node.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top.
- Place the cutting in a jar of room-temperature water.
- Keep in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly.
Roots will form in about a week. Once they’re 2 inches long, transplant into soil. Coleus will bring color to your home even in the dullest winter months.
7. African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
Why it’s perfect for November: African violets love steady indoor conditions, and November offers exactly that. Propagating them from leaf cuttings is simple and rewarding – especially since they bloom year-round when happy.
How to Propagate:
- Select a healthy leaf from the middle of the plant.
- Cut the leaf with about 1 inch of stem attached.
- Insert the stem into moist potting soil, keeping the leaf above the surface.
- Cover with a plastic dome or bag to maintain humidity.
Place the container in bright, indirect light. In 6–8 weeks, tiny plantlets will emerge from the base of the leaf.
Pro Tip: Use a soil mix designed for African violets or add perlite for aeration.
Extra Tips for Successful Propagation in November
- Use Sterile Tools: Always use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to prevent disease.
- Maintain Warmth: Keep cuttings in a room between 18–24°C (65–75°F).
- Provide Bright, Indirect Light: Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch new growth.
- Humidity Helps: Covering cuttings with a clear plastic dome or bag encourages faster rooting.
- Be Patient: Growth slows slightly in winter, but strong roots mean healthier plants come spring.
Propagating houseplants in November is not just a way to save money – it’s a deeply satisfying way to connect with nature as the colder months set in
