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The Spruce / Lecia Landis
Propagation kits are an easy and stylish way to replicate your favorite plants or add greenery to your indoor space. When considering which kit to choose, Erin Marino, editorial director at The Sill, says, "The choice of material, size, and general style are up to the plant parent. I prefer clear, glass vessels, which allow me to monitor root growth and water level. A clear vessel makes it easy to know when water needs to be added or refreshed."
We researched the best propagation kits evaluating design, size, and ease of use.
Here are the best propagation kits for your home.
Best Overall
HumbleRootsWoodworks Wooden Propagation Station
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Etsy
Available in different sizes and finishes
Modern and compact design
Can be mounted or freestanding
Cork stoppers add a nice touch
Hanging hardware is not included
Versatility is the key attribute that makes the Wooden Propagation Station our overall pick for the best propagation kit. Choose your finish from a variety of six wooden shades, then choose the number of vessels you want. The end product is a completely customized, beautiful, and functional propagation kit to help you grow your home garden—it's also a unique gift for a fellow plant parent. We love that it is built to last: The wood is finished to protect it from water droplets, so you don’t have to worry about rotting and can continue to use it through several propagation cycles. Plus, even though it's customizable, it typically ships quickly (1-2 weeks), and is well-packaged to protect the glass vessels in transit.
This top-choice propagation kit has a modern, sleek look with a rectangular shape, clean edges, and translucent glass vessels so you can track your trimmings’ rooting progress. The vessels are organized in a compact row so that even the largest option doesn’t take up too much space on your countertop. While the kit doesn’t come with hanging hardware, the open style of the frame means you can simply hang it onto any type of screw or nail, as long as you can balance it. We like that it comes with cork stoppers for the vessels—when you’re not using them, you can seal the vessels for a cute natural look between your plants. You can even fill a vessel or two with rocks or soil and add the cork stopper for a designer look.
Price at time of publish: $23
Dimensions: Variable | Number of Vessels: 3-7 | Material: Wood and glass | Mounting Type: Stand
Best Budget
Better Homes & Gardens Glass Propagation Station Planter
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Walmart
Very affordable
Easy setup
Compact and sturdy
Unique bulb containers
Recommended to keep bulb out of direct sunlight
We like the Better Homes & Gardens Glass Propagation Station for its affordable price and unique bulb look (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith). For under $10, you can propagate any plant you want, wherever you want. Whether it’s your desk at the office or a window sill in your kitchen, this propagation kit will add a nice modern and lively touch to your space. It differs from the traditional test tube look, with a large borosilicate glass bulb resting in a solid wooden stand.
There is no setup required for this propagation kit—simply fill the bulb and place it in the stand. Even though it’s cheaper in price, the material is sturdy, so you can continue to propagate new plants for years to come. The glass in this propagation kit is not meant to be exposed to direct sunlight, so you’ll need to keep it indoors to avoid damage.
Price at time of publish: $5
Dimensions: 8 x 6.2 x 3.6 inches | Number of Vessels: 1 | Material: Wood and glass | Mounting Type: Stand
Best Splurge
Theory Beyond Design Oak Oblong Trio Wall Propagation Set
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The Sill
Three holders
Neutral look
Utilizes vertical space
No freestanding option
The Oak Oblong Trio Wall Propagation Kit is a gorgeous and functional addition to any home. This propagation kit includes three glass tube holders so you can propagate more than one plant at a time or even three of the same. We also love that is it handmade and has a neutral oak wood design.
Since this propagation kit hangs on the wall, you can easily find a bright enough spot to put your growing trimmings without wasting valuable counter space. Plus, hanging your propagation kit protects it from being accidentally knocked over by kids or pets. Though this propagation kit has a higher price point, the solid oak design means it's made to last.
Price at time of publish: $76
Dimensions: 6.5 x 8 x 2.5 inches | Number of Vessels: 3 | Material: Oak and glass | Mounting Type: Wall hanging
Best Hanging
Mealivos Glass Planter Propagation Station
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Amazon
Includes scrub brush and extra tube
Can be mounted or freestanding
Five holders
Hardware is exposed if not hung
If you’re in the market for an affordable wall-hanging propagation kit, this Glass Planter Propagation Station is the one for you. To mount it, you’ll need to measure out and screw in the two hanging fixtures and then slide in the wood holder. We like that it’s versatile, so you still have the option to place it on a surface or tabletop if you change your mind about putting it on the wall. Just remember that the hanging hardware will still be on one side, so you’ll have to hide that.
This propagation kit comes with a nifty scrub brush to clean out the tubes between use. It also comes with an extra glass tube, so don’t fret about dropping one of the tubes—you’ll have a replacement without having to order a whole new set. This is a sleek and compact way to propagate up to five stems at a time without having jars throughout your house.
Price at time of publish: $12
Dimensions: 6.6 x 8.7 x 0.95 inches | Number of Vessels: 5 | Material: Wood and glass | Mounting Type: Screw-in wall mount
Best Large
Mkono 3 Tiered Wall Hanging Plant Propagation Tubes
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Amazon
15 test tubes
Simple installation
Utilizes vertical space
Affordable
No freestanding option
The Mkono Terrarium Propagator is our best large-sized propagation kit that allows you to grow a whopping 15 trimmings at a time. It will add plenty of green life to the room without you having to buy all new plants. Simply take cuttings from the existing plants around your home (or from a friend!) and fill each test tube; you’ll end up with an entire garden on your wall. This might not work for you if you have minimal trimmings available, but you can always fill the empty tubes with stones, faux flowers, or herbs to complete the look. Re-watering the tubes will take a little longer than your average propagation kit, but your hard work will pay off when you have 15 new plants to re-pot and enjoy.
This one’s setup doesn’t require any measurements or levels—just insert one nail into the wall and use the rope to hang the propagation kit. This is a great option for those who are hesitant to try their hand at complex wall mounts or want to minimize the number of holes you’ll have to touch up later. We think it’s also a great hanging option for rentals or even dorm rooms (assuming nail holes are OK).
Price at time of publish: $12
Dimensions: 35 x 14.2 x 1.8 inches | Number of Vessels: 15 | Material: Wood and glass | Mounting Type: Rope hanging wall mount
Best Decorative
DAZEworkshop Earth Arch Propagation Station Bud Vase
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Etsy
Geometric curved design
Available in different sizes and colors
Affordable
Easy to remove test tube and refill
Only holds one cutting
If you’re looking for a propagation kit that acts as a statement piece, the Earth Arch Propagation Station Bud Vase is the one for you. We like this kit for its unique geometric curved design and the earth tone colors that would fit with any decor. And although this combo product functions as both a propagation kit and a design element, the price remains budget-friendly.
There’s no setup required for this propagation kit—simply place your trimming in the test-tube-shaped holder and place the holder in the arch, and you’re ready to grow your plant. When you need to refill your kit with fresh water, you can easily pull the tube holder out and bring it to your sink. While this propagation kit only works for single plants, you may decide to group a few since they come in different shapes and colors.
Price at time of publish: $18
Dimensions: 5.9 x 3.5 x 1.2 inches | Number of Vessels: 1 | Material: Stoneware resin and glass | Mounting Type: Stand
Best Wooden
Better Homes & Gardens Glass and Wood Planter & Stand Set
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Walmart
Industrial look
Affordable
Three vases
Sturdy
Recommended to keep bulb out of direct sunlight
Bulbs harder to remove than test tubes
If you’re going for a natural look, we like the Better Homes & Gardens Glass and Wood Planter & Stand Set as the best wood option (Better Homes & Gardens is owned by The Spruce's parent company, Dotdash Meredith). This propagation kit doesn’t require assembly after purchase—you simply need to find a sunny spot and ensure that it’s indoors so the bulbs don’t shatter in direct sunlight. The vessels are wider than the typical test tube style, so you’ll need to find a slightly bigger surface to place this kit. Because of the unique shape, you’ll need to pop the bulb stem out of its grip to move it around to fill it with water. This can be a bit more tedious than simply sliding them down and in like a test tube, but you do end up with a more sturdy system that won’t tip easily.
Even though it’s made of solid wood, this propagation kit is affordable. The black accents on the joints and support beam give it an industrial look that is perfect for any office desk. You can propagate up to three plants at a time, which is a nice number if you’re just starting and want to first try your hand at a few plants before committing to more.
Price at time of publish: $15
Dimensions: 11.3 x 4.3 x 5.5 inches | Number of Vessels: 3 | Material: Wood and glass | Mounting Type: Stand
Best Wall
Mkono Plant Terrarium With Wooden Stand
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Amazon
Includes hardware kit
Can be mounted or freestanding
Sleek, black finish
Five holders
Not as easy to refill with water as other kits
Looking for something you can mount? Your best bet is the Mkono Plant Terrarium. This propagation kit is a wood holder with bulb vases that you can hang on the wall and out of the way. It comes with a wall-mounting hardware kit you can use once you decide on the best sunny spot to replicate your plants. Until then, it doubles as a surface holder, so you can place it anywhere before you mount it.
The one downside of this one is that the propagation vessels themselves are fastened to the stand. This means you can't bring them to the sink to replace the water unless you slide all 5 off at a time. They do tip over, though, so you can tip the water into a container and refill them directly at the site of setup, whatever works best for you. We like that this propagation kit comes in a sleek black finish instead of the usual natural wood. It will match the more modern accents in your house.
Price at time of publish: $22
Dimensions: 4.9 x 15 x 2 inches | Number of Vessels: 5 | Material: Wood and glass | Mounting Type: Screw-in wall mounted
Best Modern
Bloomscape Multi-Tube Propagation Kit
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Bloomscape
Concrete terrazzo finish
Three vessels
Includes rooting hormone powder
Expensive
We like the Multi-Tube Propagation Kit as the best modern option to spruce up your living space. The concrete terrazzo finish means you can replicate your plants while keeping up with the latest design trend. It has three test tube-style vessels so you can propagate up to three trimmings at a time, but it won’t take up too much space.
This propagation kit comes with a small tub of rooting hormone powder, a bonus that will help your plants flourish. It works well to give that extra propagation power to more stubborn plants like citrus plants that don’t root as easily. This won’t require any setup. Simply place the kit where it best suits your design needs and let the plant do the work.
Price at time of publish: $45
Dimensions: 6.0 x 4.75 x 1.9 inches | Number of Vessels: 3 | Material: Concrete terrazzo and glass | Mounting Type: Stand
Our best overall pick is the Humble Roots Woodworks Wooden Propagation Station because it is durable, available in different finishes and sizes, and can be wall-mounted or placed on a counter. If you are looking for a single, compact propagation kit at an even more budget-friendly price, you can't go wrong with the Better Homes & Garden Propagation Station Planter. It's sized to fit just about anywhere and has a unique look.
What to Look for in a Propagation Kit
Setup
When deciding what type of propagation kit to purchase, you’ll need to think about how much assembly you want to take on. Wall mounted or wall hanging kits will take a bit more time to set up and are not as easy to move around your house if you change your mind or if you notice it isn’t getting enough sunlight. Stand kits are generally more straightforward, and you only need to slide the vessels into the holder after filling them with water. "One thing to consider, with either kit, is your ability to reach it. Plants that are propagating in water may not require the frequent weekly waterings some of your houseplants do; however, you'll want to make sure they're easily accessible to add water, change out the water, check roots, swap out cuttings, etc.," notes Erin Marino, editorial director at The Sill.
Size
Propagation kits come in various sizes in regard to both the number of vessels and actual overall dimensions. You can narrow down your choices by determining how many trimmings you will want to propagate at a time. For single-vessel kits, you can always buy more than one and place them throughout your home. It’s also useful to consider how much sunny space you have in your home. You may want a more compact propagation kit to fit in a sunny nook or larger ones to fill more open space.
Style
Since most propagation kits function similarly, style is a more important factor to consider. You’ll want to ensure your propagation kit matches the rest of your home decor, which is easy since they come in many colors and finishes. You’ll definitely be sure to find one that meets your style standards. There are many neutral wood options, too, if you’re thinking about gifting a kit to someone else and want to keep it simple.
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How do you use a propagation kit?
Propagation kits are useful for propagating stem cuttings from a plant to create an identical copy of that plant. You simply place the cutting in the holder with some water and wait until your cutting has grown enough to be planted in soil. Make sure you replace the water in your propagation kit often, as you don’t want it to get murky and compromise the health of your newly grown roots.
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When is the best time to propagate plants in a kit?
You should wait until your favorite plant has matured before you collect trimmings to propagate it in a propagation kit. Once the plant has matured, you can propagate it at any time during its active growth period, regardless of the season. You’ll know the plant is ready when you see a cluster of roots or a root node below a leaf or stem junction. Make a clean cut to the stem below this node—you will need it to be on your trimming to allow propagation.
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When do you move plants out of the propagation kit?
You should move your plants out of the propagation kit when your roots have grown to a minimum of 1 inch in length. This can take one to two months. This will give you the best chance of the roots taking to the soil when you pot them. Then you can clean your propagation kit and reuse it for new trimmings.
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What types of plants can you put in a propagation kit?
Many tropical and sub-tropical indoor plants root easily in water which means you can put them in a propagation kit. It’s best to do some research on the exact type of plant before you try to propagate it.
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Where can you place a propagation kit?
When considering placement, Marino notes, "Place it in a spot that receives bright to moderate indirect light. Harsh, direct sun will most likely be too strong for your cutting and will heat up the water; while indirect low light will not provide the cutting with enough energy to grow roots." Try to locate a spot in a bright room in your home where window light hits that area at least some of the day. This can be a countertop on the wall or a plant stand in the corner of a room. Propagation kits are best suited indoors, where the environment is more controlled.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Deanna McCormack, a freelance writer and product tester for The Spruce since 2017. She researched the best propagation kits and chose the best in each category based on ease of setup, style, and size. She is a homeowner, avid gardener, and outdoor enthusiast living in Phoenix, AZ.
Jenica Currie, an associate editor for The Spruce, provided additional support for this article by contacting Erin Marino, editorial director at The Sill, an online and brick-and-mortar plant retailer. Marino offered insight on where to place a kit, how much sun is required, the types of vessels, and general propagation tips.