Plant cuttings are a great way to propagate new plants for free Many gardeners are happy to share cuttings from their plants and seed trades are a time-honored tradition. While it may seem challenging to get free plant cuttings by mail, there are a few easy ways to find people willing to send cuttings without charge
Join Plant Cutting Exchange Groups
One of the best ways to get free plant cuttings is by joining online plant groups focused on cuttings exchanges Here gardeners connect to swap everything from common houseplants to rare tropicals
Popular plant cutting exchange groups include:
- Reddit’s r/TakeaPlantLeaveaPlant forum
- Facebook groups like Crazy Plant Ladies Cuttings Exchange
- Online gardening communities like GardenTags
Post your “Wishlist” of plants you hope to get cuttings of and what you have to offer in return. Be an active member by answering questions and engaging with fellow gardeners until you build relationships to initiate trades.
Check Out Free Plant Giveaways
Many gardeners and nurseries offer totally free plant cuttings, no strings attached. Watch for special giveaways on social media and online plant forums
Some places to find free cuttings offers:
- Facebook Groups: Houseplant Hobbyist, Plant Purge USA, Free Plants Exchange USA
- Craigslist and NextDoor Community Giveaway forums
- r/Freebietalk subreddit
- Direct from nurseries like Gabriella Plants on Instagram
Supplies are limited with giveaways so you have to act quickly once offered. But they can be a great source for free plant cuttings.
Take Advantage of Free Samples
Some plant wholesalers offer free unrooted plant cuttings samples by mail so customers can test their products.
These programs allow you to receive up to 50-100 free unrooted cuttings every year to trial. Although intended for commercial growers, many will approve hobbyists.
Some places to get free sample plant cuttings:
- Quality Cuttings
- Ball Horticultural Company
- Floranova
- Syngenta Flowers
- Beekenkamp Plants
Keep quantities small, explain you want to test their products, and you may qualify for free plant cuttings from sample programs.
Propagate from Publicly Accessible Plants
Taking cuttings from public parks, college campuses, botanical gardens, etc can be a free way to obtain plant material. However, it’s usually illegal without permission or a permit. But places like public parks will sometimes allow taking leaves or props that have fallen on the ground.
Contact your local botanical gardens and universities to ask about “propagation days” where they allow public cuttings from specified plants. Or request cuttings from pruned branches that would otherwise be discarded.
Take Cuttings from Your Own Plants
Taking cuttings from plants you already own is the easiest way to get free plant cuttings. You don’t have to wait for trades or giveaways.
Trying propagating these easy-to-root houseplants:
- Pothos
- Philodendrons
- Coleus
- Tradescantia
- English Ivy
- Hypoestes
- Prayer plants
You can take 10-15 cuttings weekly from a healthy plant without harming it. Root them in water or potting mix and soon you’ll have a huge supply to share.
Root Unused Plant Parts from Produce
Recycling plants from your kitchen can offer free plant cuttings too. Regrow green onions, lettuce, herbs, and vegetables like tomatoes by rooting the bottoms in water.
Other food scraps that can easily provide cuttings include:
- Pineapple tops
- Ginger root pieces
- Potato eyes
- Carrot tops
- Onion bottoms
- Garlic cloves
- Sweet potato vines
Regrowing kitchen scraps lets you repurpose what would normally be trash into new houseplants or garden edibles.
Join Local Gardening Clubs
Connect with plant lovers in your community by joining a local gardening club. Many run plant exchanges and take cuttings to share at meetings.
Check clubs like:
- Garden Clubs of America chapters
- Men’s Garden Clubs
- Herb Society chapters
- American Rose Society
- Daylily Societies
- Iris Societies
- Hosta Clubs
Attending meetings regularly helps you network to find members willing to donate cuttings.
Check Neighborhood Bulletin Boards
Keep an eye out for “Plant Swap” fliers on community boards at local gardening centers, coffee shops, libraries, etc. Neighbors often advertise free exchanges of their plants.
You can also post your own request for people willing to share cuttings of specific plants you are looking for. This personal approach works better than just taking without asking.
With a little effort and creativity, you can receive a wide variety of free plant cuttings without spending any money. Cuttings exchanges are a win-win allowing you to grow your plant collection while helping fellow gardeners expand theirs.
How to Divide to Get Free Plants
Division is an easy process that splits one plant into several, best done in spring or fall. In theory, you can divide any plant with more than one central “stalk,” but some plants are easier to divide than others. In other words, plants that grow in “clumps”. Which perennials are good? Most of them don’t have a taproot, like hostas, day lilies, iris, grasses, phlox, coneflower, black-eyed Susans, asters, and astilbe. (And many, many more!) The basic steps?.
- Dig up the plant with a sharp spade
- Separate the crowns to make new plants. On some plants, you can use your fingers to pull the roots apart. On others, you may need to use a knife. Don’t worry, they will be fine!.
- Plant each crown you took off as a new plant right away, and make sure they get a lot of water until they grow roots.
Check out this tutorial on how to divide perennials from ‘Garden Gate Magazine‘. They have tons of tips, step by step photos, and even tell you when is the best time to divide!
- Hostas
- Bee Balm
- Purple Coneflower
- Daylily
- Phlox
- Black Eyed Susan
- Lily of the Valley
- Sedums
- Chrysanthemum
- Bearded Iris
- Bachelor Buttons
Not all of these are on the list. Remember, DO NOT try to split perennials that have woody crowns or taproots.
How to Propagate any Plant |Multiply Your Plants for Free!|
FAQ
How to get plant cuttings for free?
Where can I get free plants near me today?
Can I send a plant cutting in the mail?
Why is it illegal to propagate some plants?
Can you grow plants from cuttings?
Spring is a busy time for dedicated gardeners. Seed sowing seems to take up most of our time, as we rush against the calendar to grow healthy flower and vegetable seedlings for the garden. But don’t forget that there are many plants you can propagate from cuttings.
Which creeping plants can be propagated from cuttings?
Another creeping herb that can be easily propagated with layering, you can also take softwood cuttings of mint in spring. You can never have too many flowers in the garden. Don’t wait for seeds to sprout, especially with slow-growing perennials. Here are some of the best flowering plants to propagate from cuttings. 9. Salvia
How do I get free plants?
Join a local gardening or horticulture club. Many of these local clubs provide tours of their member’s gardens or host plant swaps. Participating is a great way to score free plants and learn more about the plant you’re receiving. Local clubs like these are also a wealth of gardening information, and they usually offer gardening classes to members.
When is the best time to take cuttings?
Spring is an excellent time to take cuttings. The longer days and warmer temperatures mean plants are now actively growing. You don’t have to limit yourself to perennials, either. Many annuals are also easy and worthwhile to propagate from cuttings. It’s a great way to extend your garden without breaking the bank.