Adults

Plant Propagation Workshop

Apr 16, 2025

$51-100

Byline

Ysabella Gallegos, Library Assistant, Scottsdale (Ariz.) Public Library

In this program, patrons will learn the very basics of propagating or "cloning" common houseplants from a plant cutting.

Patrons will learn about propagation and what plants can be propagated using this method. They will then assemble their own "Prop Box" or mini greenhouse by taking a plant cutting and learning to care for it until it establishes roots and can be planted in soil.

Advanced Planning

My goal for this program was to introduce new and casual plant parents to propagating houseplants by taking a cutting and creating a "Prop Box." Plant propagation is the process of growing a new plant from seeds, cuttings or specialized plant parts.

This program introduced patrons to this concept by giving them educational instruction and then leading them through the exercise of taking a plant cutting and assembling a propagation box using sphagnum moss and recycled plastic cups. The result is a propagation box, an enclosed container that helps retain moisture and humidity to encourage plant cuttings to develop roots. The increased humidity from enclosing the container prevents excessive drying while still allowing adequate airflow to prevent fungal issues.

Learning outcomes included learning what plant propagation is, how to take a "cutting" by correctly identifying plant nodes and how to create and care for a "Prop Box" where a plant cutting can be housed until it develops roots and can be transplanted to soil.

I began planning for this program two months in advance to collect recycled 16 oz plastic cups through donation and assemble my own propagation box to be used as an example during the program.

Marketing

This program was advertised in our seasonal library event catalog and with a book display containing relevant materials from our collection on plant propagation and houseplant care for beginners.

Budgeting

The budget for this program was spent on two medium-sized pothos plants, sphagnum moss, rooting hormone, plant shears, spray bottles for water, saran wrap and a storage container to hydrate the sphagnum moss in.

The containers used to create the propagation boxes, we used recycled 16 oz plastic cups with lids, which were donated by staff. All other materials, like plastic tablecloths, sharpies and paper towels, were already readily available. I think cost can be saved by limiting the amount of pothos plants and sphagnum moss that is purchased. After running the program, I believe one pothos plant would be sufficient for a program attendance of 15 people and under.

Day-of-event Activity

My intent for this program was to have patrons assemble their propagation boxes with little difficulty and variation between them. To facilitate this process, I created three stations where patrons could assemble prop boxes in stages to reduce confusion and ensure each prop box was put together the same way. Two staff members were needed during the program to support patrons while assembling their prop boxes.

Program Execution

This program ran very smoothly and even finished about 20 minutes before it was set to end. I had seven attendees, which I think is positive for our particular branch, considering the newness of this type of program. I received extremely positive feedback from patrons and even updates from two patrons who let me know their propagation was successful.

Advice

I would recommend using a more beginner-friendly title for this program. It was geared towards beginner/casual plant lovers who may not know what the word propagation means and, therefore, pass up this program. On social media, the common verbiage used is “Learn to clone your plants,” which may be more attention grabbing and beginner-friendly.