Take Cuttings From This Popular Outdoor Plant Before Winter Hits & Thank Us Later

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Have you heard of the popular method for creating stunning potted displays? It involves using one plant that is a "thriller" to add color and drama, along with a "filler" that plugs any gaps and a "spiller" that pulls the foliage outside the bounds of the pot. Well, one great spiller to consider is the sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas). This attractive climber can take over quickly, so it is often planted in outdoor pots to keep it in check while still taking advantage of its display of bright green, purple, or multicolored leaves. While the ornamental varieties typically do not produce blooms, they are well-loved for their pointed leaves and thick foliage. As such, it can be a shame to say goodbye to these annual plants when winter weather sets in.

But don't worry! The sweet potato vine is one of the easiest plants to propagate from cuttings, allowing you to save a portion of your beloved plant and grow a whole new one. By taking a cutting from this plant, you can bring a section of it indoors, where it will be more likely to survive in the warmer interior temperatures. And once your propagation has started to take root, you will have the choice of keeping the vine as an indoor houseplant or moving it back outside once the danger of freezing temperatures has passed.

To propagate your sweet potato vine by taking cuttings, first count about five or six leaves from the end of one stem and cut just behind the last leaf. Then, pull off two or three of the leaves closest to the bottom. These spots are where the roots will emerge, so keep an eye on those areas for the first signs of growth. 

Once you have your cutting, simply submerge the cut end in water in a container of your choice. Make sure to place it in a sunny location and keep the water topped up and clean. Avoid letting the leaves dip into the water. There are various types of rooting hormones you can use to speed the process along, but if you are propagating your sweet potato vine in water, it is best to use a liquid version like this Houseplant Resource Center Propagation Promoter from Amazon. 

When the roots have grown to about 1/2 inch long, you can then transplant the cutting into potting soil. Ensure that the new container has good drainage and that the soil is kept moist but not saturated. You can bring the plant back outside once nighttime temperatures are above 45 degrees. Alternatively, you may choose to keep the plant inside permanently. As a houseplant, it can be even easier to care for than your dramatic pothos and other common indoor plants.