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Sometimes plant lovers prefer finding ways to avoid spending money on new plants, with propagation being a popular alternative. Below, we explore four quick propagation methods, including one that uses a specific ingredient to make the process easier and more effective.
A TikTok account dedicated to houseplants and everyday life shared a video aimed at impatient plant parents. The clip demonstrated experimental, step-by-step hacks designed to help plants grow faster.
The Experiment for the Quickest Way to Propagate Plants
The experiment featured four different methods for propagating neon pothos cuttings. The video's creator began by showing viewers the part of the plant they wanted to propagate, then revealed four clear test tubes arranged in a wooden holder.
Two of the tubes were partially filled with filtered water.
The third tube contained perlite mixed with filtered water, while the fourth had potting soil combined with filtered water.
Plant cuttings were then placed into each tube. The first cutting was placed directly into the water. For the second cutting, the stem was dipped into cinnamon powder before being submerged in the water tube.
The third cutting was positioned in perlite, followed by the addition of water.
For the fourth tube, the moist soil was gently pressed down before inserting the cutting, and more soil was added afterward. The purpose of the experiment was to determine which of the four methods would yield the best results in the shortest time.
The Results of the Experiment and People's Thoughts About It
Both of the first two tubes showed successful propagation, with similar root lengths appearing in each. However, the second cutting's roots were thicker and slightly longer.
Raffaele Di Lallo, founder of the Ohio Tropics blog and author of “Houseplant Warrior: 7 Keys to Unlocking the Mysteries of Houseplant Care,” shared his thoughts on water propagation.
“When you make a cutting and put it in water, you know it's effective because you can see the roots develop,” Di Lallo said. He also highlighted that this method is easy, cost-effective, and fast.
The third tube produced a root that was shorter and uneven in shape, while the fourth cutting's root was thin, short, and stringy.
This made the second method the clear winner. When propagating plants, it's important to choose a warm and bright spot. Both warmth and light help roots develop, but warmth is especially critical in the initial stages of growth. For those propagating in cooler temperatures or during winter, using a heating pad can help stimulate root development.
One surprised TikToker commented, “Cinnamon makes a difference. wow [sic] !” Another user pointed out, “Cinnamon is used as anti bac for the rot not rly for root growth 🥰 [sic],” to which the video creator responded, “I know, but it speeds up the process by not having to wait for the cut to dry out.”
A different follower noted, “There are people who use honey instead of cinnamon. Cinnamon on cuts to avoid infections,” prompting the page owner to reply, “I've tried honey too, that worked best in the last experiment I did!”
Seeking more guidance, another user asked, “Cool – how do I know when to plant it ? [sic]” The creator of the clip replied, “I usually wait until the roots are over 5cm long.”
How Is Cinnamon Beneficial in Propagating Plants?
Beyond its role in cooking and baking, cinnamon is widely known for its benefits as a rooting agent. Reports suggest that the spice functions similarly to a hormone or willow water rooting powder.
Applying cinnamon to the stem of a cutting, including succulents, can stimulate root growth in almost any plant. Gardening Know-How recommends pouring a spoonful of cinnamon onto a paper towel, dampening the ends of the plant's stem, and then rolling them in the powder.
The final step is to plant the cuttings in fresh potting soil. The cinnamon helps encourage the stem to produce more roots while also preventing fungal infections that cause damping-off disease.
Keeping the towel damp or the soil moist is crucial for cuttings, as they lack roots to absorb moisture. Because of this, cuttings are more susceptible to drying out quickly, making it essential to maintain moisture during root development.
Ceylon cinnamon is the preferred variety, as it is milder compared to other types. The spice contains cinnamaldehyde, an antioxidant compound that protects vulnerable cuttings and seedlings from soil-borne fungi.
These fungi often cause seedlings and cuttings to dampen off, which can result in flopping over, becoming infected, or dying. An Instagram page that demonstrated how to propagate plants using cinnamon powder also noted that the spice is a natural antimicrobial.
The plant and tree care account stated, “It helps prevent bacterial growth and mushy ends on your cuttings.” Plant propagation can be done year-round, whether to replicate a plant you like or to save one that's dying.
