Expand Your Plant Collection with Cane Cuttings
Improve your plants’ appearance and expand your houseplant collection by starting new plants from cane cuttings.
Dieffenbachias, dracaenas and Chinese evergreens often lose their lower leaves, resulting in long leafless stems topped with just a few leaves.
Rejuvenate these plants by cutting the stem back to several inches above the soil surface. The remaining plant will sprout new growth.
Then use the leafy tip to make a leaf-stem cutting.
Next, cut the leafless stem into 2 inch sections containing at least one bud or node, the point where a leaf was growing. Allow the cutting to dry for several hours. Root in a container filled with a well drained potting mix. Lay the stem section on its side and cover about halfway, leaving the bud exposed.
Place in a warm bright location and keep the soil moist as you wait for new growth to appear.
A bit more information: You can also manage tall leggy plants with air layering. You will be able to create larger rooted cuttings with this method.
Related
Audio
Article
Categories
Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars
Jan. 10, 2026
Greater Des Moines
Botanical Garden
Des Moines, IA
Register here
Jan. 28, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Past, Present & Future of Mitchell Park and its Conservatory, the Domes
Register here
Feb. 13 - 15, 2026
PBS Wisconsin
Garden & Green Living EXPO
Madison, WI
More information
Feb. 18, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Plants that Go the Distance
Register here
March 26, 2026
FREE WEBINAR:
Getting Started Growing Vegetable and Flower Gardens
Register here
WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS
Learn More


