Enjoying Outside, Inside: Sustainable Gift Giving - Start Propagating Your Plants Now!

Michae Fennell • November 8, 2021

An umbrella tree being propagated in my own home!


As we enter the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in wanting to give our friends items that we love, but that can sometimes be at the expense of our environment. This holiday season, consider giving friends and family a sustainably sourced gift. One way to do that is by propagating plants around your home and gifting the seedlings and plants that result.


As the popularity of plants has grown over the COVID-19 pandemic, you might have a plant or two (or twelve) lying around which can be propagated easily. Succulents are widely known for their ability to be propagated, but it is possible for other plant species as well, including things you might not suspect such as ferns or trees.


If you have a healthy, thriving plant in your home that you are interested in propagating, a quick search of your plant will provide you with strategies to help multiply your species. Different plant variations need to be propagated in different ways. For example, if you choose to start from a seed (such as that of an avocado) or from a tall, bushy tree, the water and soil requirements may vary and necessitate a different set up in your home before you can give a plant as a gift.


Once you understand the method of which you are going to propagate your plant species, prepare your materials. This includes a pot for your gift to be given in. Consider using items you may already have, such as mugs, tins, glass jars, pill bottles, plastic containers, and more. If you cannot find something that feels appropriate, a trip to your local thrift store will surely suffice. Be sure to understand requirements for drainage that your plant may need- you just might have to get crafty and poke holes in some of your recycled pots.


There are several online resources available for your use, including many of the top search engine results, YouTube channels, and if ever in doubt, plant care forums, your local nursery, or gardeners group may be able to provide assistance. Whichever plant you choose, and however you choose to do it, know that the benefits far outweigh the risk. Plant propagation performed correctly, or just mostly right, will still leave your plant healthy. Not to mention, the benefits derived from having houseplants far outweighs that of not having one at all. According to a 1989 study, even NASA agrees.


If you are thinking about a way to give a thoughtful, sustainable, environmentally friendly gift this holiday season, consider propagating your plants now to give to family and friends later.


Michaela Fennel; mfennell@tuleyome.org


Tuleyome Engagement and Advocacy Intern

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