Summer is a great time to multiply your favorite plants through cuttings. Growth is in full swing, many species are thriving, and you might even have a little more time to experiment in the garden or on your balcony.

But be careful: the heat and low humidity can work against you if you don’t take a few smart precautions.

At Planteka, we’re here to help you care for your plants year-round—with practical content like this, expert-led workshops, and 1:1 support through our Plant Doctor service. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced plant parent, we want to help you learn, enjoy, and connect more deeply with nature 🌱

Here’s your step-by-step guide to making cuttings in summer—without losing them to heat or stress, whether you’re rooting them in soil or in water.

🌱 What types of plants can you propagate in summer?

Warm temperatures actually speed up rooting in many softwood or semi-woody plants. Great candidates include:

✔️ Hydrangea
✔️ Lavender
✔️ Rosemary
✔️ Verbena
✔️ Sage
✔️ Mint and other aromatics

📝 Tip: Choose healthy, young stems without flowers. If the cutting is flowering, the plant will focus on the bloom instead of forming roots.

✂️ How to take summer cuttings (in soil)

1. Pick the right time

Cut early in the morning when the plant is full of water and temperatures are cooler. This reduces stress and improves rooting success.

2. Use clean, sharp tools

Always cut just below a node (where a leaf meets the stem), using sterilized scissors or a knife. Wipe tools with alcohol between plants to prevent disease.

3. Prepare the cutting

• Remove the lower leaves.
• Leave 2–3 leaves at the top.
• If the leaves are large, cut them in half to reduce moisture loss.

This helps the cutting stay hydrated and avoids wilting.

4. Dip in rooting hormone (optional, but helpful)

Rooting hormone—liquid or powder—can encourage faster, stronger root growth, especially in fussier plants.

5. Plant in light, airy soil

Use a cutting mix or blend your own with coco coir, perlite, and a little peat or compost. Make a hole with a pencil first to avoid damaging the stem.

6. Keep humidity high

Cover the cutting with a clear bag or place it in a mini greenhouse to retain moisture. Ventilate a couple of times per week to prevent mold.

7. Place in bright, indirect light

Avoid direct sun, which can scorch leaves and dry out the soil. A bright windowsill with filtered light is perfect.

8. Watch the temperature

Ideal temperatures for rooting are between 18–24 °C (65–75 °F). If it’s very hot in your area, move cuttings indoors during peak heat.

9. Water carefully

Keep the soil lightly moist, not soggy. A spray bottle works well during the first days to maintain humidity without overwatering.

10. Be patient—and hands-off!

Don’t pull on the cutting to check for roots. Wait 2–3 weeks. If you see new growth or feel resistance when gently tugged, that’s a great sign.

💧 What about water propagation?

Rooting in water is also a fantastic method in summer—especially for tropical and indoor plants.

Best plants to propagate in water:

✔️ Pothos
✔️ Monstera adansonii
✔️ Syngonium
✔️ Tradescantia
✔️ Scindapsus
✔️ Ivy
✔️ Coleus

Step-by-step:

1. Cut just below a node.
2. Remove any leaves that would sit in the water.
3. Place in a glass jar with dechlorinated water (let tap water sit for 24 hours).
4. Put in bright, indirect light.
5. Change the water every 3–5 days.
6. After 2–4 weeks, you’ll see roots! You can pot them up or keep them growing in water.

🧪 Tip: Add a piece of activated charcoal to the bottom of the jar to keep the water cleaner for longer.

✅ Extra tips for success

• Label your cuttings if you’re trying several types at once.
• Only take cuttings from healthy plants—avoid anything sick or stressed.
• Acclimate rooted cuttings before planting: gradually remove the humidity cover so they adjust to drier air.

🌸 Why propagate in summer?

Because it’s an easy, affordable, and rewarding way to expand your plant collection, share with friends, or rescue a plant before it declines. Plus… there’s nothing like watching new roots form. It’s plant magic at its best ✨

Got questions about propagation?

Book a video session with our Plant Doctors. We’ll help you choose the right method, troubleshoot any issues, and adapt the process to your space, climate, and skill level.

📩 Want to gift someone a green experience? You can also send a Plant Doctor session as a thoughtful present for any plant lover (beginner or expert).

💬 Have you tried propagating in summer? What’s been your biggest win—or your biggest flop? Tell us in the comments!