Growing new plants from leaf and stem cuttings of existing plants is an easy way to add to your plant collection and share your favorite plants with friends and family. Plus, in many hybridized plants, it is the only way to ensure that new plants will exhibit the same flowering and other characteristics admired in the parent plant.

To enjoy the greatest success when growing your plants from cuttings, follow these simple guidelines:

• Consult with your local garden center, botanical garden about the best propagation method for your particular plant variety. Some plants readily grow new roots simply by placing leaves or stems in water. Others require taking the steps outlined below. Still others are very difficult, if not impossible to propagate through the vegetative method. Also, some cuttings are more successful if taken at certain times of the year.
• Cleanliness is very important. Make sure all planting containers, cutting tools, work areas are sterilized by rinsing or wiping with diluted bleach solution.
• Choose healthy, disease-free, insect-free plants from which to make your cuttings. Choose younger, healthy growth that appears well-hydrated and in good shape. Make a cutting that is 4-6" in length. Place in water until ready to use. Plant as soon as possible.
• Prepare a container by filling nearly full with a porous potting medium. 
• Remove all but the top one or two pairs of leaves. Make a fresh cut of the stem and dip in rooting hormone powder, covering one or two nodes (where the leaves were growing). Gently shake off excess powder and plant in prepared hole. Gently firm soil around cutting.
• It is critical to keep the cuttings well humidified with frequent misting and/or use of a plastic cover. The cuttings continue to transpire moisture through the stomata in the leaves; but until the roots develop, they don't have an efficient ability to absorb soil water to replace it. Keeping the plant misted will minimize transpiration loss and help keep the tissue hydrated until roots can take over the job. However, to be truly effective, this needs to be done frequently throughout the day, something not everyone is able to do. Another easier way to keep humidity high around new cuttings is to cover them with a plastic bag or top half of a clear 1.5 liter capped soda bottle. If too much condensation forms on the inside of the bag or bottle, open it up for an hour or two, then reseal it. If no condensation forms, add a little more water to the soil.
• Temperature will also affect root growth and transpiration rate, as well as fungus growth and other problems. Keep the temperature between 65-70 degrees F if possible. Higher temps will encourage fungus growth, while cooler temps will slow down root growth. An ideal combination is warmer soil and cooler air, but that is not always practical for the hobbyist.
• Cuttings with leaves depend upon light to create carbohydrates through photosynthesis. A bright artificial light source or indirect light from a window should be fine. Direct hot sunlight might scald tender young cuttings.
• When plants begin to show new growth, begin feeding with a half-strength solution of liquid plant food. Begin hardening off plant by removing plastic cover for 5 minutes a day, increasing time each day. Mist leaves if they start to wilt during these periods.
• When several new leaf pairs have developed, the dome should be able to be removed permanently. Begin feeding full strength at this time. Transplant if necessary.