If you love your Poinsettia and want to grow even more of them, you’re in luck! You can actually grow brand-new plants from cuttings. With a little bit of patience and some TLC, you can successfully propagate these holiday favorites right at home.
When is the best time to propagate?
The most reliable way to get new plants is through stem cuttings. The perfect time to do this is in the spring, especially when you’re already pruning your plant back anyway—you’ll have plenty of material to work with! Spring is ideal for getting those cuttings into the soil, but if you miss that window, you can still have great success in August.
How to take the cuttings
To give yourself the best chance of success, always take cuttings from a strong, healthy mother plant. My pro tip? Always take more cuttings than you think you’ll need, as it’s totally normal for a few of them not to take root. Here’s how to do it:
- Grab a very sharp, sterile knife or garden shears. Keeping your tools clean is key to preventing infections.
- Safety first! Poinsettia sap can be irritating and is mildly toxic, so definitely wear gardening gloves.
- Cut stems that are about 3 to 4 inches long, making the slice just below a leaf node (the little bump where a leaf grows).
- You’ll notice milky sap oozing from the cut. To stop this “bleeding,” dip the ends of the cuttings into warm water for a few seconds.
- Strip off any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Dip the cut end into some rooting hormone to give it a head start.
- Plant the cutting about an inch deep into high-quality seed-starting mix blended with a little sand for drainage.
- Give them a good watering.
- Place your new babies in a bright, warm spot—ideally keeping them at a steady 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C).
- Just make sure they stay out of direct, harsh sunlight while they’re establishing.
Caring for your cuttings
To create the perfect environment for roots to grow, you can cover your pots with a clear plastic bag or use a mini-greenhouse. This traps moisture and warmth, creating a cozy tropical climate that encourages growth. Just remember to vent the plastic or open the greenhouse lid every day for a few minutes to let fresh air in and prevent mold.
Once you see new leaves sprouting at the top (usually at least two pairs of leaves after a few weeks), it’s time to move them into a larger pot. Be super gentle during this step—those brand-new roots are very delicate!
