Growing Offshoots: How to Propagate Your Plants Through Pups and Runners

When a Plant Multiplies Itself

Many plants produce small offshoots entirely on their own — you just need to recognize them and treat them the right way. Pups, runners, and plantlets are a plant’s natural way of reproducing. Take advantage of this gift! Here’s how to raise offshoots into thriving plants of their own.

What Are Pups?

Pups are miniature versions of the mother plant that grow directly at its base or along the stem. They already have roots or root buds of their own and represent the easiest form of propagation. Classic pup producers include:

• Aloe vera: produces plenty of pups at the base
• Pilea peperomioides (Chinese money plant): pups emerge straight from the soil next to the mother plant
• Succulents (Echeveria, Haworthia): form rosette pups at the base of the stem
• Bromeliads: produce pups after flowering, after which the mother plant dies back
• Orchids (Phalaenopsis): pups (keikis) can appear on old flower spikes

How to Separate Pups Correctly

1. Wait until the pup is big enough: it should be at least 5 cm (2 in) across and have roots or root buds of its own
2. Take the mother plant out of its pot: this lets you see exactly where the two are connected
3. Separate with a clean cut: use a sharp, disinfected knife and always cut at the thinnest point of the connection
4. Let the cut surface dry: leave it to air-dry for 1–2 days before potting the pup up — this helps prevent rot
5. Plant it in its own pot: use well-draining soil and keep it lightly moist

Runners: Nature’s Self-Propagators

Some plants send out long runners, with new little plantlets forming at the tip. Well-known runner producers include strawberries, spider plant (Chlorophytum), ivy, and saxifrage. With these, propagation couldn’t be simpler: leave the plantlet attached to the runner until it grows roots of its own, then separate it and pot it up.

The Right Aftercare

Freshly separated pups and runners are delicate. For the first two weeks: a bright spot without direct sun, substrate kept lightly moist (not wet!), no fertilizer for at least six weeks, and regular checks with a moisture meter.

For raising young plants, use a light, well-draining potting mix and small pots sized to match the plantlet during its first few independent weeks.