Learn how to propagate Geraniums in an easy way so that you can multiply these stunning flowers without any fuss!
One of the best flowers for window boxes and borders, Geraniums add colors that go well with every place you grow them! So if you, too, want to include them in your collection, then here’s all the information you need to learn propagation like a pro!
Why Geraniums?
Lively geranium blooms are a longtime favorite among gardeners, and for good reason — they’re easy to grow and reward you with a long-lasting floral display.
Native to South Africa, these are sun-loving plants and thrive in temperate and warm climates. So, whether in beds, containers, or hanging baskets, they bring a splash of color wherever they grow.
As long as you provide them with plenty of bright light, ideally 6–8 hours of sun per day, they will keep producing blooms and staying lush.
How to Propagate Geraniums
Geraniums grow best from stem cuttings, so if you want more geraniums without spending a dime, stem cuttings are the way to go.
The best time to take them is late summer to early fall, just before the parent plant starts fading. This will allow you to root the cuttings indoors over the winter and plant vigorous, fresh starts in the spring.
Pro Tip: You can also take spring cuttings, but they may root slower if the plant is actively blooming. Late summer gives the best balance of plant energy and rooting potential.
Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem about 4 to 6 inches long—not too tender, not too woody. After doing this, use a sharp pruner and make your cut just below a node. Don’t forget to use this trick!
Remember to strip off the lower leaves and keep only 2 to 3 leaf sets at the top to help the cutting direct its energy toward root development rather than keeping up unnecessary foliage. Then, plant the cutting in a container with a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil slightly moist. If the remaining leaves are large, cut them in half to reduce transpiration and help it focus on growing roots.
Place the pot in a bright, warm spot, away from direct sunlight until the roots establish. In a couple of weeks, you will notice new growth, and that’s your green light that the cutting has taken off!
Here’s another tip: Dip the cutting in cinnamon powder or a rooting hormone before planting—it helps prevent fungal infections and speeds up root formation.
Rooting Geranium Cuttings in Water
You can also root geranium cuttings in water! It’s simple, mess-free, and perfect for indoor propagation.
Just take the cuttings the same way you did before and place them in a clear vase or glass filled with non-chlorinated water and set them on a sunny windowsill where they get bright, indirect light. Change the water every 3–4 days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial buildup, and that’s it!
Pro Tip: Using a narrow-necked bottle can help support the cutting upright and reduce exposure to airborne bacteria.
The roots begin to appear within 4–5 weeks, and fine white strands will form around the node submerged in water. Once the roots are about an inch or two long, you can transplant the cutting into soil for continued growth.
After that, it’s all about the care! Give it right and your geranium will flower all year round!
Fun Fact: Did you know? You can also grow geraniums in sand! Just stick the cutting in a pot full of it with a bit of compost, and spray it with water every 1-2 days to give it moisture. Keep it in a location where it gets bright light, and it will root in a few weeks’ time.
