Winter may seem like the wrong time to propagate houseplants, but December can actually be an ideal month for starting new plants from cuttings.
While outdoor gardens rest during the cold season, many indoor plants continue growing slowly thanks to stable temperatures and consistent indoor conditions.
Because of this, a wide range of houseplants can root beautifully in December – especially if you use warm rooms, bright windows, and simple propagation methods like water rooting or soil cuttings.
Propagating houseplants in winter has two major advantages:
(1) Less heat stress and (2) Slower, healthier root formation.
Indoor air is usually warm enough, and plants experience minimal shock because they aren’t actively trying to produce leaves or flowers.
December propagation results in strong root systems ready for rapid growth once spring light returns.
Below are 11 houseplants that root easily from cuttings in December, along with tips for successful winter propagation.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the easiest houseplants to propagate any time of year, and December is no exception. Its thick stems root quickly in water or soil.
How to propagate
Cut a 4–6 inch vine segment with at least two nodes. Submerge the nodes in water or plant them in moist soil. Roots usually appear within 10–20 days, even in winter.
Why it works in December
Pothos thrives in low light and warm indoor temperatures, making winter rooting effortless.
2. Philodendron (Heartleaf & Vining Types)
Heartleaf philodendrons and most vining varieties root extremely well from stem cuttings in winter. They behave similarly to pothos and rarely fail.
How to propagate
Cut below a node, place in water or light potting mix, and keep in bright indirect light.
December benefit
Philodendrons maintain steady winter growth and adapt well to indoor humidity levels.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plant babies (pups) root quickly in December because the mother plant continues producing runners even in winter.
How to propagate
Snip off a baby with small roots and place it in water or moist soil.
December benefit
Indoor warmth encourages strong root formation before spring.
4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Ivy enjoys cool indoor temperatures in winter, making December a great month for propagation.
How to propagate
Take 4–5 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, and place stems in water or soil.
December benefit
Winter humidity indoors prevents ivy cuttings from drying out.
5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants root more slowly in winter, but they propagate very well from leaf cuttings during the colder months because rot risk is lower.
How to propagate
Cut a leaf into sections, let callous for 2–3 days, and plant the cut edge into soil.
December benefit
Cooler temperatures reduce fungal problems and encourage stable root formation.
6. Tradescantia (Wandering Dude)
Tradescantia is one of the fastest-rooting houseplants and doesn’t slow down much in winter.
How to propagate
Place stem cuttings in water and watch roots develop in under a week.
December benefit
Bright indoor windows are perfect for encouraging fast winter rooting.
7. Coleus (Indoor Overwintered Plants)
If you keep coleus indoors for winter, December is an excellent time to take fresh cuttings.
How to propagate
Cut 4-inch stems, remove lower leaves, and root in water or soil.
December benefit
Coleus responds well to indoor warmth and grows new roots quickly.
8. Begonia (Cane & Rex Types)
Many begonias propagate beautifully from leaf or stem cuttings even in winter. They prefer stable temperatures and indoor humidity.
How to propagate
Place stem cuttings in water or insert them into a light potting mix. For leaf propagation, cut a leaf into sections and lay them on damp soil.
December benefit
Begonias dislike heat but love gentle indoor warmth, making winter ideal.
9. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
ZZ plant cuttings root slowly but steadily in December, developing strong tubers as they establish.
How to propagate
Cut a stem or divide a leaf, let the cut edge callous, and place in soil.
December benefit
Slower winter growth helps ZZ plants form healthier root structures.
10. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
African violets propagate well from leaf cuttings even in winter, especially when humidity is stable.
How to propagate
Cut a healthy leaf with its stem, plant slightly into light soil, and keep warm.
December benefit
Indoor humidity from heaters encourages steady, controlled rooting.
11. Mint Grown Indoors
If you grow mint in pots indoors, December is perfect for taking fresh cuttings.
How to propagate
Place 3–4 inch stem cuttings in water and watch roots appear within days.
December benefit
Mint thrives in cool homes and roots quickly regardless of season.
Tips for Successful December Propagation
Use bright indirect light
Place cuttings near a south-facing or east-facing window. Winter light is weaker but consistent.
Keep temperatures stable
Most houseplants root best at 65–75°F (18–24°C).
Avoid overwatering
Winter soil dries slower; use well-draining mixes to prevent rot.
Mist lightly
Indoor heating dries the air, so light misting helps prevent leaf shrivel.
Use clear glass jars for water cuttings
This allows light to reach developing roots and helps prevent slime buildup.
Be patient
Roots may form a little slower in December, but they will be thicker and stronger.
Why Propagating in December Is Smart
December propagation gives you a head start before spring. By the time March and April arrive, your cuttings will have:
- strong roots
- new leaves
- established stems
- higher survival rates
Many gardeners are surprised to learn that winter propagation produces healthier, more resilient plants than summer propagation.
You don’t need warm weather or spring sunshine to multiply your houseplants. Many popular indoor varieties – from pothos and philodendron to spider plants and African violets – root beautifully in December.
