Top 17 'Gift-That-Grows' Propagating Plants to start for an ever-expanding, shareable collection at home
There’s a unique magic in giving a gift that you’ve nurtured with your own hands. Forget the fleeting joy of store-bought trinkets; imagine presenting a friend with a thriving, living plant that you grew yourself from a single leaf or cutting. This isn’t just a gift; it’s a piece of your home, a bit of your passion, and a promise of future growth. It’s a 'gift-that-grows', and it’s one of the most personal and sustainable presents you can possibly give.
Building an at-home propagation station is like creating a perpetual gift factory. It’s a way to multiply your favorite plants, creating an ever-expanding collection that you can share with friends, family, new neighbors, or anyone who needs a little green in their life. It’s incredibly rewarding, budget-friendly, and connects you more deeply with the natural cycles of growth. As we at the Goh Ling Yong blog often explore, curating a living, breathing home environment is about more than just aesthetics; it's about creating a space that nurtures and inspires.
Ready to become the go-to person for thoughtful, living gifts? We’ve curated a list of the top 17 easiest and most rewarding plants to propagate. Grab a clean pair of snips and some small jars—your journey to creating an endless supply of green gifts starts now.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The Pothos is the undisputed king of easy propagation. With its lush, trailing vines and near-indestructible nature, it practically begs to be shared. Its forgiving spirit makes it the perfect starter plant for both you and the lucky recipient of your gift. Whether it's a Golden Pothos, a Marble Queen, or a Neon, the process is wonderfully simple.
To propagate, locate a healthy vine and snip off a 4-6 inch section just below a node (the small brown bump on the stem where a leaf grows). You’ll want your cutting to have at least two or three leaves. Remove the lowest leaf, and then simply place the cutting in a glass jar of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Within a couple of weeks, you’ll see delicate white roots begin to sprout.
Once the roots are an inch or two long, it’s ready for its new home in a pot of soil. Gift this little plant in a cute mug or a small, decorative pot with a note: "From my plant family to yours." It’s a simple gesture that carries so much meaning.
2. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)
The architectural and air-purifying Snake Plant is a statement piece in any home. It’s also surprisingly easy to multiply, though it does teach a valuable lesson in patience. Propagating a Snake Plant feels like performing a magic trick—creating a whole new plant from just a piece of a leaf.
There are two main methods. The easiest is division: simply unpot a mature plant and gently pull apart the rhizomatous clumps, ensuring each new section has roots attached, then repot them separately. The more "magical" way is with leaf cuttings. Cut a healthy leaf into several 2-3 inch sections. Be sure to remember which end is the bottom. Let the cuttings callus over for a day or two, then place them (bottom-side down) about an inch deep in moist soil or a jar of water.
Roots can take a month or more to appear, and a new pup can take even longer, but the wait is worth it. Gifting a propagated Snake Plant is like giving a piece of living sculpture that will thrive on neglect and purify the air for years to come.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
If you’re looking for instant gratification, the Spider Plant is your go-to. This prolific plant does most of the work for you by sending out long stems, or "stolons," that produce adorable miniature baby plants, often called "spiderettes." These are, quite literally, ready-made gifts dangling from the mother plant.
Propagating is as easy as can be. Once a spiderette has developed a few tiny roots of its own (you’ll see little nubs at its base), simply snip it off the long stem. You can place it in a small glass of water for a week to encourage more root growth or plant it directly into a small pot of soil.
These babies grow quickly and are incredibly resilient. Pot a few spiderettes into a small hanging basket for a gift that will soon develop its own graceful, arching form and start producing babies of its own—a true gift that keeps on giving.
4. Succulents (Echeveria, Sedum, Graptopetalum)
Propagating succulents from a single leaf is one of the most enchanting processes in the plant world. It’s perfect for creating a large number of tiny gifts, like party favors or additions to a larger gift basket. Echeverias, Sedums, and their relatives are particularly good candidates.
Gently twist a healthy, plump leaf from the stem of the mother plant. It’s crucial to get a clean break right at the base. Lay the leaves on a tray of dry cactus soil and place them in a spot with bright, indirect light. Don’t water them yet! Just let them be. After a week or two, you’ll see tiny pink roots and a minuscule new rosette forming at the base of the leaf.
Once the new baby plant is about the size of a dime and the mother leaf has shriveled up, you can gently plant it in its own tiny pot. Creating a mini succulent arrangement in a shallow bowl is a beautiful, personalized gift that showcases your patience and care.
5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ Plant is the epitome of a low-maintenance friend, and its propagated babies carry the same easy-going nature. Known for its glossy, deep green leaves and ability to tolerate low light and drought, it's a perfect gift for beginners. Like the Snake Plant, it requires patience, but the result is a stunning, modern plant.
You can propagate a ZZ from a stem cutting or even a single leaf. For a stem cutting, snip off a stalk near the base and place it in water. For leaf cuttings, pluck a few leaves (with their stems attached) and stick the stems an inch deep into moist soil. The key is to wait. It can take several months for the cutting to form a rhizome (a potato-like tuber) and then send up new growth.
The slow growth is part of its charm. When you gift a ZZ Plant you’ve propagated, you’re not just giving a plant; you’re giving a testament to perseverance and the beauty of slow, steady growth.
6. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Much like its cousin the Pothos, the Heartleaf Philodendron is a vining superstar that is incredibly simple to propagate. Its charming, heart-shaped leaves make it an especially sweet and symbolic gift, perfect for expressing affection and friendship.
The method is identical to propagating a Pothos. Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting with several leaves, ensuring you snip just below a node. Remove the bottom leaf and place the cutting in a jar of water. The nodes will sprout roots in just a couple of weeks. This plant is a vigorous grower, so you’ll have a well-rooted starter plant in no time.
For a beautiful gift presentation, root several cuttings in a vintage glass bottle or a stylish bud vase. The recipient can enjoy it as a water-based plant indefinitely or transfer it to soil whenever they choose.
7. Tradescantia Zebrina (Inch Plant)
Need a gift in a hurry? The Tradescantia Zebrina, with its stunning purple-and-silver-striped leaves, grows like a weed and roots in a flash. It’s so eager to grow that you can often just stick cuttings directly into soil, skip the water propagation step entirely, and watch them take off.
Snip a few 3-4 inch sections from the end of a healthy vine. You can place them in water, where they’ll root in about a week, or you can poke them directly into a pot of moist potting mix. If you plant several cuttings in the same pot, you’ll have a full, lush-looking plant almost instantly.
The vibrant color of this plant makes it a showstopper. Pot your new creation in a simple white or terracotta pot to make its brilliant foliage pop. It’s a fast, easy, and high-impact gift for any occasion.
8. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
The Pilea, also known as the "Pass-It-On Plant," is famous for its unique, coin-shaped leaves and its habit of producing pups. A healthy mother plant will send up tiny new plants through the soil from its root system, making it incredibly easy to share. This plant's very nature is about generosity.
To harvest the pups, wait until they are a couple of inches tall. Use a clean, sharp knife to sever the pup’s connection to the mother root about an inch under the soil. Gently lift the pup out, trying to keep its own small root system intact. Plant it directly into its own small pot.
Gifting a Pilea pup feels like participating in a long tradition of friendship and sharing. Its cheerful, round leaves are said to bring good fortune, making it a wonderful housewarming or good-luck gift.
9. String of Pearls/Hearts/Turtles
These delicate, trailing "string of things" plants are wildly popular and make for truly unique gifts. While they look intricate, they are surprisingly straightforward to propagate. Their beauty lies in their cascading nature, and you can give someone a starter pot that will soon be spilling over the sides.
The best method is to take a 3-4 inch cutting. Gently remove the pearls, hearts, or turtles from the first inch or two of the stem. Then, lay the cutting across the surface of moist cactus/succulent soil, with the stripped part of the stem making good contact. You can use a small pin or paperclip to hold it in place. The stem will grow roots from the points where the leaves used to be.
Present this gift in a small pot with room for it to trail. It’s a delicate and trendy gift that will delight any plant lover. Be sure to include care tips, as they prefer not to be overwatered.
10. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Why not give a gift that’s both beautiful and delicious? An endless supply of fresh basil is a dream for any home cook, and it’s incredibly easy to propagate from a single stem. You can even do this with store-bought basil!
Take a 4-inch cutting from a healthy, non-flowering stem. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting and place it in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill. Change the water every couple of days. In about two weeks, you’ll have a robust set of roots ready for planting in a pot of soil.
Pot your new basil plant in a nice terracotta pot and pair it with a bottle of good olive oil or a recipe for pesto. It’s a fragrant, useful, and thoughtful gift that will keep on giving with every new leaf.
11. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity, the Jade Plant is a classic houseplant that’s as sturdy as it is beautiful. Propagating a Jade Plant is very similar to other succulents and is a fantastic way to share good fortune with friends.
You can propagate from a stem or a leaf. For a stem cutting, snip a 3-4 inch piece and let it sit out for a few days to allow the cut end to callus over. This prevents rot. Then, simply stick the callused end into a pot of dry succulent soil. For a leaf, gently twist it off, let it callus, and lay it on top of the soil. Don't water for a week or two, then begin watering sparingly.
A small, well-rooted Jade Plant in a ceramic pot makes a meaningful gift for someone starting a new job, moving into a new home, or celebrating a milestone.
12. Monstera Deliciosa
Looking for a "wow-factor" gift? A baby Monstera, propagated from your own magnificent mother plant, is a premium present for any plant enthusiast. Its iconic, fenestrated leaves are a symbol of tropical style, and nurturing one from a cutting is a deeply rewarding experience.
The key to propagating a Monstera is to get a node and, ideally, an aerial root. Take a stem cutting that includes at least one leaf, a node (the thicker joint on the stem), and a short, brown aerial root if possible. Place the cutting in a large jar of water, ensuring the node and aerial root are submerged.
It will take several weeks to grow a substantial root system, but the recipient will be thrilled. Pot it up in an airy soil mix and gift it to a special friend. You're not just giving a plant; you're giving them their very own future statement piece.
13. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
For those who love a bit of floral charm, the African Violet is a classic choice. Their fuzzy leaves and delicate, vibrant blooms can brighten any room. Propagating them from a single leaf is a time-honored tradition among plant lovers.
Select a healthy, mature leaf from the middle of the plant. Using a clean blade, cut the petiole (the leaf stalk) at a 45-degree angle, leaving about an inch of stem. You can then either place the stem in water or plant it directly into a small pot with light, moist soil. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can create a mini-greenhouse to help it root.
After a month or two, you’ll see tiny new baby leaves emerging from the base of the soil. This is a delicate and beautiful gift, perfect for someone who appreciates the finer, more classic things in life.
14. Begonia (Rex or Cane)
Begonias are prized for their spectacular foliage, which comes in an incredible array of colors, patterns, and shapes. Gifting a propagated Begonia is like giving a living work of art. Many varieties, especially Cane Begonias (like the Polka Dot Begonia) and Rex Begonias, are surprisingly easy to share.
For Cane Begonias, take a stem cutting with a couple of nodes and place it in water. They root quite readily. For Rex Begonias, the process is even more fascinating. You can take a single leaf, make small cuts across the major veins on the underside, and lay it flat on moist soil, pinning it down. New plantlets will eventually grow from each cut.
A baby Begonia with its first few dazzling leaves is an impressive gift. As someone who, like Goh Ling Yong, appreciates the impact of design and color in a space, I find Begonias to be one of the most artistically satisfying plants to propagate and share.
15. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
Another fantastic culinary gift, Rosemary is a fragrant, woody herb that evokes the flavors of the Mediterranean. A small pot of fresh rosemary is perfect for a friend who loves to cook or just enjoys aromatic plants.
Take a 4-5 inch cutting from the new, softer growth of the plant. Strip the leaves from the bottom two-thirds of the stem. You can dip the end in rooting hormone if you have it, but it’s not always necessary. Place the cutting in a pot of well-draining soil mix (like half perlite, half potting soil). Keep it moist and in a bright spot.
Roots will form in a few weeks to a month. A small, fragrant rosemary plant is a wonderful, long-lasting alternative to a bouquet of flowers and infinitely more useful.
16. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant is captivating to watch. Its leaves lie flat during the day and fold up at night, as if in prayer. This fascinating behavior, combined with its stunningly patterned foliage, makes it a truly special gift.
Propagation is best done via stem cuttings. Snip a section of stem just below a node, making sure your cutting has a few healthy leaves. You can place this directly in water, just like a Pothos, or plant it in soil. If planting in soil, it helps to maintain high humidity by placing a plastic bag over the pot for the first couple of weeks to encourage rooting.
Because of its unique movement, a baby Prayer Plant is a gift of wonder and mindfulness. It encourages its new owner to pay attention to the small, beautiful rhythms of the natural world.
17. Kalanchoe 'Mother of Thousands' (Bryophyllum daigremontianum)
This plant’s name says it all. It is, without a doubt, the easiest plant on this list to propagate because it does all the work for you. The edges of its leaves are lined with hundreds of tiny, perfectly formed plantlets, complete with their own little roots.
To propagate, simply gently knock some of the plantlets off the mother leaf and onto a tray of soil. That’s it. They will root themselves and start growing almost immediately. You can create dozens of new plants in a matter of minutes.
Be warned: this plant is prolific and can become invasive if planted outdoors in warm climates. However, when potted and shared responsibly, it’s a fun and astonishingly easy way to produce a huge number of tiny, cute plants to give away.
Start Your Gifting Garden Today
Creating a 'gift-that-grows' collection is more than just a hobby; it’s a practice in generosity, patience, and connection. Each rooted cutting holds the story of its parent plant and the care you put into nurturing it. It transforms your windowsill into a nursery of future presents, ready to celebrate a birthday, cheer up a friend, or welcome a new neighbor.
So why not start today? Pick one plant from this list—perhaps a simple Pothos or a prolific Spider Plant—and take your first cutting. The simple act of snipping a stem and placing it in water is the first step toward a home filled with life and a heart filled with the joy of sharing it.
Which plant will you propagate first? Share your plans and your own favorite 'gift-that-grows' in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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