Pelargonium Cuttings: How to Take, Root, and Grow Pelargoniums from Cuttings
Pelargonium cuttings are one of the easiest, fastest, and most reliable ways to propagate pelargoniums. Whether you want to overwinter favourite plants, create identical copies, or grow strong new plants for next season, taking cuttings gives excellent results with minimal equipment and effort.
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This complete guide explains when to take pelargonium cuttings, how to do it step by step, how long they take to root, and how to care for them until they are ready to grow on and flower.
Why Take Pelargonium Cuttings?
Pelargoniums root very readily from cuttings, which makes them ideal for propagation.
Benefits of growing pelargoniums from cuttings include:
- New plants are identical to the parent plant
- Faster flowering than seed-grown plants
- Strong, healthy growth
- Free plants from existing stock
- Ideal for overwintering favourite varieties
Cuttings are especially useful for zonal, ivy, and scented pelargoniums.
Best Time to Take Pelargonium Cuttings (UK)
Timing is important for success.
Late Summer to Early Autumn (Best Time)
- August to September
- Plants are still actively growing
- Cuttings root quickly
- Ideal for overwintering indoors
Spring and Summer
- Possible from May onwards
- Rooting is fast in warm conditions
- Plants may flower the same year
Avoid taking cuttings in winter, when plants are dormant and rooting is slow.
What You Need to Take Pelargonium Cuttings
- Healthy pelargonium plant
- Clean, sharp scissors or secateurs
- Small pots or trays
- Free-draining compost (or compost mixed with grit or perlite)
- Labels (optional)
Rooting hormone is not essential, as pelargoniums root easily without it.
How to Take Pelargonium Cuttings (Step by Step)
1. Choose the Right Shoot
- Select healthy, non-flowering shoots
- Look for firm but flexible growth
- Avoid soft, sappy stems or woody growth
Shoots should be 7–10 cm long.
2. Make the Cut
- Cut just below a leaf joint
- Use clean, sharp tools
- Remove the cutting cleanly, without crushing the stem
A clean cut reduces the risk of rot.
3. Prepare the Cutting
- Remove lower leaves
- Leave 2–3 small leaves at the top
- Remove flower buds or flowers
This reduces moisture loss and encourages rooting.
4. Let Cuttings Dry (Important Step)
Pelargoniums benefit from a short drying period.
- Leave cuttings out of compost for 2–4 hours
- Allows the cut surface to callous
- Reduces risk of rotting
This step is especially helpful in cooler or damper conditions.
5. Insert the Cuttings
- Fill pots with free-draining compost
- Make a hole with a dibber or pencil
- Insert the cutting firmly
- Gently firm compost around the stem
One cutting per pot is ideal.
6. Water Lightly
- Water sparingly
- Compost should be just moist, not wet
- Do not soak
Overwatering is the most common cause of failure.
Where to Place Pelargonium Cuttings
- Bright location
- Out of direct, strong sunlight
- Frost-free
- Good air circulation
Avoid humid propagators or sealed covers, as pelargoniums prefer airflow.
Do Pelargonium Cuttings Need Heat?
No additional heat is usually required.
- Room temperature is sufficient
- 15–20°C is ideal
- Bottom heat can be used but is not necessary
Too much heat encourages rot rather than rooting.
How Long Do Pelargonium Cuttings Take to Root?
- Typically 2–4 weeks
- Faster in warm, bright conditions
- Slower in cooler weather
You’ll know roots have formed when new growth appears or the cutting resists a gentle tug.
Caring for Pelargonium Cuttings While Rooting
During rooting:
- Water sparingly
- Keep compost barely moist
- Remove any yellowing or rotting material
- Ensure good airflow
Do not feed cuttings until roots are established.
Potting On Rooted Pelargonium Cuttings
Once rooted:
- Move into slightly larger pots
- Use a general-purpose or pelargonium compost
- Firm gently around roots
Avoid jumping straight into large pots, as this slows growth.
Pinching Out Young Plants
Pinching out encourages bushier growth.
- Pinch out the growing tip once established
- Do this when plants are 10–15 cm tall
- Encourages side shoots and more flowers
This step improves overall plant shape.
Overwintering Pelargonium Cuttings
Autumn-taken cuttings are ideal for overwintering.
How to Overwinter
- Keep plants in a bright, frost-free place
- Reduce watering significantly
- Do not feed during winter
Plants should remain compact and healthy until spring.
When Can Pelargonium Cuttings Go Outside?
- After the last frost
- Usually late May in most UK areas
- Harden off gradually over 7–10 days
Pelargoniums are frost tender and should never be rushed outside.
Common Problems with Pelargonium Cuttings
Cuttings Rotting
- Compost too wet
- Poor airflow
- No drying time before planting
Wilting Leaves
- Too much sun
- Excess heat
- Large leaves left on cutting
Slow Rooting
- Cool temperatures
- Weak parent plant
- Winter conditions
Most issues are solved by reducing moisture and improving airflow.
Can You Take Cuttings from All Pelargoniums?
Yes. Cuttings work well with:
- Zonal pelargoniums
- Ivy pelargoniums
- Regal pelargoniums
- Scented pelargoniums
All root reliably using the same method.
How Many Cuttings Can You Take from One Plant?
- Several cuttings can be taken from a healthy plant
- Avoid removing more than one-third of growth at once
- This keeps the parent plant strong
Well-maintained plants can provide cuttings year after year.
Why Pelargonium Cuttings Sometimes Fail
Most failures are caused by:
- Overwatering
- Cold, damp conditions
- Using flowering shoots
- Poor air circulation
Pelargoniums prefer slightly dry conditions when rooting.
Why Grow Pelargoniums from Cuttings?
Pelargonium cuttings are popular because they are:
- Simple and reliable
- Fast to establish
- Free
- True to type
- Ideal for overwintering
For many gardeners, cuttings are the preferred propagation method.
Final Thoughts: Pelargonium Cuttings
Taking pelargonium cuttings is one of the most rewarding gardening tasks, producing strong, healthy plants with very little effort. By choosing the right time, using free-draining compost, and avoiding excess moisture, cuttings root quickly and grow into compact, floriferous plants.
Whether you want to save favourite varieties, create more plants for summer displays, or overwinter pelargoniums easily, cuttings are a simple and dependable solution.