How to propagate your palm

Palms come in all shapes and sizes. Think of the Areca palm or the Kentia palm. They all bring a tropical vibe to your home. And the good news? Most palms are easy to care for and even easier to propagate. Yes, even if you’re not a plant expert.

Use a sharp knife or scissors. Rinse under hot water, dry with a clean towel and disinfect with alcohol. This helps to prevent bacteria and fungus from affecting your cuttings.

Lay down an old towel and carefully take the palm out of its pot. Gently shake off the old soil so you can clearly see the roots. This makes it easier to divide the plant.

Decide how many cuttings you want to make. Gently separate the palm into sections, making sure each one has its own root system. If needed, use a clean knife to cut through the roots. Take your time and be gentle.

Place each cutting into a separate pot with fresh soil. Press the soil gently and add a bit of water. Put the pots in a spot with bright indirect light and keep the soil slightly moist. Some palm types also appreciate a light misting on the leaves now and then.

• Best time: spring to early autumn

• Light: lots of indirect sunlight

• Water: keep the soil slightly moist

• Watch out: only divide parts with their own roots

• Tip: use an old towel to catch spilled soil

Not all palms can be propagated by division. Choose a species with multiple shoots or growth points, like the Areca palm.

If the division has its own root system, you can plant it straight away in fresh soil.

These tips are based on our own experience with propagating. All methods are tested in our plant nursery and work well for beginners too.

Want to explore more propagation tips? Check out our other step-by-step plant guides.