🪴HOW TO & TIPS
When most people think about January, they think rest.
Plants slowing down. Growth paused. Nothing much to do except keep things ticking over until spring.
And yes, a lot of plants do ease off this time of year.
But here’s the part that surprises people…
January is actually one of the best months to start propagating.
Not because plants are growing fast (they’re not), but because slow, steady root development now sets you up beautifully for spring. By the time light levels increase and temperatures rise, your cuttings already have a head start.
So if multiplying your collection is on your 2026 list, here are 5 houseplants that propagate brilliantly in January, plus how to approach each one without fighting the season.
1. Tradescantia (especially ‘Nanouk’) 🪴
If propagation had a “starter plant”, this would be it.
Tradescantia roots so easily it almost feels like cheating. Winter light is actually ideal for it, as the softer sun reduces leaf scorch while still encouraging growth.
Why January works
- Gentler light
- Great time to tidy up leggy growth
- Helps refresh the mother plant before spring
How to do it: Take cuttings just above a leaf node and root them in water or soil. Keep them warm, bright, and lightly moist.
2. Pothos 🪴
Pothos doesn’t care what month it is. It just gets on with it.
These rainforest climbers root happily even in cooler conditions, making January a perfect time to snip a few stems and start something new.
Why January works
- Tolerates lower light
- Roots reliably in water
- Grows steadily once spring arrives
Bonus tip: Pothos releases natural rooting hormones. Pop a pothos cutting into water alongside more stubborn cuttings and it can help everything root faster.
3. Hoya 🪴
Hoyas are tougher than they look, but they really dislike heat stress during propagation.
Winter solves that problem nicely.
Why January works
- Cooler temperatures reduce leaf drop
- Slower, more controlled rooting
- Perfect timing before spring growth
How to do it: Water propagation works brilliantly for hoya. Change the water regularly and pot up once roots are established. Treat them more like succulents than thirsty tropicals.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) 🪴
Rubber plants take their time. January is ideal because you’re giving them that time.
Why January works
- Slow growers benefit from an early start
- Rooting now means visible growth by late spring
How to do it: Take a side shoot cutting and plant into a chunky, free-draining mix. Gentle warmth helps, but don’t overdo it.
Patience is key with this one.
5. Lipstick Plant 🪴
Trailing plants are some of the most satisfying to propagate, and lipstick plants are no exception.
Why January works
- Pruning now encourages bushier growth later
- Semi-succulent nature suits winter care
How to do it: Take 10 cm cuttings, let them callous for a day, then root directly in soil. Slightly higher humidity helps, but soggy soil doesn’t.