Green on a Budget: How Plant Cuttings Bring Life Into Your Home
Because a fresh start can begin with something as simple as a new leaf.
There’s something deeply comforting about adding a bit of green to your space. A living thing to nurture. A reminder that growth happens slowly and quietly, but surely.
For me, bringing in plants was more than just about decor. It was about energy. Color. Life. A little rhythm of care in my week. Something to check on in the morning light.
And here's the best part: it doesn't have to be expensive. You can create a home filled with life starting with a single cutting in a jar of water.
Cuttings: The Most Affordable Plant Magic
Cuttings are simply pieces of existing plants that, when placed in water or soil, can grow roots and become full plants of their own. It’s a gentle, satisfying process—watching something tiny take root and expand.
Ask a friend with thriving plants for a clipping. Pothos, spider plants, and monstera are perfect for this. Most plant lovers are happy to share!
Once you have a cutting:
Use clean scissors to snip below a node (a small bump or joint in the stem)
Place the cutting in a clear jar or vase filled with fresh water
Set it in a bright, indirect light
Change the water every few days
Wait. In a couple of weeks, you’ll likely see roots beginning to stretch out
Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transplant it into soil or keep it in water for a minimalist, modern look.
DIY Vase Ideas
You don’t need to buy anything fancy. Here are a few things I’ve used as propagation vases:
A clear glass bottle (wine or soda bottles work great)
A mason jar
An old candle jar, cleaned out
A tiny bud vase from a thrift store
Once It's Rooted: Potting on a Budget
After your cutting has developed roots, potting it can be just as fun and personal. Look for:
Terra cotta pots (usually inexpensive and classic)
Secondhand ceramic mugs or bowls (just add pebbles for drainage)
Small baskets with an inner waterproof liner
A Quick Note on Pets
I have a cat, and he likes to nibble on things that dangle or rustle. So I always check to make sure the plants I bring into our home are safe for him. The ASPCA has a helpful online list of pet-safe and toxic plants—a great resource before you bring something new inside.
Let Plants Do What They Do Best
Plants quietly transform a room. They add softness to shelves, color to corners, and sometimes even a little drama if you let them grow wild.
They remind me that creating a home is not about perfection. It’s about presence. And even something small can be meaningful.
So if you're feeling stuck or in need of change, maybe start with a cutting. Start small. Start green.
And let life root itself wherever it can.