Tool
Cutting rooting time lookup
Typical weeks for a cutting to root, by plant and cutting type. Filter to find yours fast.
| Plant (cutting type) | Typical time to root |
|---|---|
| Pothos (water) | 2–4 weeks |
| Pothos (soil) | 3–5 weeks |
| Tomato (stem) | 1–2 weeks |
| Geranium / pelargonium | 2–4 weeks |
| Fuchsia | 2–4 weeks |
| Strawberry (runner) | 3–4 weeks |
| Rosemary (softwood) | 3–6 weeks |
| Rosemary (semi-ripe) | 4–8 weeks |
| Lavender (semi-ripe) | 4–6 weeks |
| Hydrangea (softwood) | 3–5 weeks |
| Jade plant | 3–6 weeks |
| African violet (leaf) | 4–8 weeks |
| Begonia (leaf) | 4–8 weeks |
| Rose (semi-ripe) | 4–8 weeks |
| Snake plant (leaf) | 6–10 weeks |
| Box / buxus (semi-ripe) | 8–12 weeks |
What this lookup does
How long a cutting takes to root depends on the plant, the type of cutting and the conditions you keep it in. This table gives typical home-garden figures so you know when to expect roots — and when to stop worrying that it has failed. Treat it as a rough guide, not a deadline.
How to read it
- Soft, fast growers (tomato, pothos, geranium) root in a couple of weeks.
- Woody or slow plants (box, snake plant, rose) can take a few months.
- Warmth and light hurry it along. A warm spot with bright, indirect light roots faster than a cold, dim one.
- Leaf cuttings are slower than stem cuttings, because they build a whole plant from one leaf.
What speeds rooting up
- Humidity. Keeping the leaves from drying out is the single biggest factor while roots form.
- Steady warmth. Most cuttings root best around 18–24°C.
- Bright, indirect light. Enough for growth, but not scorching sun on defenceless leaves.
- Clean tools. A sharp, clean cut roots better than a ragged one.
How to check without spoiling it
Resist pulling the cutting out to look. Instead, tug very gently: if it resists, roots have formed. New growth above the surface is another good sign. For water-rooted cuttings, you can see the roots through the glass — move them to soil when they are a few centimetres long.
Limitations
- Ranges vary widely. The same plant can root in two weeks in summer and in two months in a cold room.
- Variety and age matter. Cuttings from young, vigorous growth root faster than old, woody material.
- It is not a schedule. Some cuttings root sooner, some later; patience is normal here.
Frequently asked questions
My cutting has not rooted — is it dead?
Not necessarily. If the stem is firm and the leaves are green or turgid, it is still working. Give it more time and keep the humidity up.
Should I root in water or soil?
Water is easier to watch and fine for pothos and many houseplants; soil suits woody plants and gives stronger roots from the start. See the pothos guide for a comparison.
Why are the leaves going black?
Usually too wet or too airless. Vent any cover, let the compost drain, and remove any mush before it spreads.
Related guides
- How to take softwood cuttings
- How to take semi-ripe cuttings
- How to grow plants from leaf cuttings
- How to propagate pothos in water
Sources and research notes
Rooting times are typical home-garden figures from horticultural guidance and vary with plant, season and conditions.