The Blackstone Library is excited to present our Plant Propagation Station—open to everyone in the community!
Visit our plant propagation station in the Circulation Lobby. You do not need a library card to take a free cutting home.
What is plant propagation?
Plant propagations are pieces, or cuttings, from plants that grow their own root systems and become new plants.
Why have a propagation station?
This project helps promote green spaces and cleaner air by enabling the community to take and grow plants in their own homes. Plants are a fun hobby—and come with the added benefits of cleaner air in your space—but it can be hard to maintain a plant collection because of plant prices. The Library hopes this program will promote green spaces at no charge to the community!
How it Works
Take a plant
- Take home a houseplant cutting of your choice (Wet a paper towel, wrap the roots and use a wax paper bag to transport your cutting.) Please leave the jar.
- Do a little online searching to find out what care your plant likes.
- Plant your cutting in potting soil at home and enjoy!
Leave a plant
The Propagation Station will only flourish if our houseplant community supports it with donations. If you’re ready to start donating to the Propagation Station, here are some tips:
To ensure your cutting is ready for propagation, please follow these simple guidelines:
- Use clean scissors or pruning shears.
- Cut a healthy stem just below a node (the point where a leaf grows).
- Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem, leaving a few at the top.
- Place your cutting in water. After your cutting has rooted, wrap it in a damp paper towel and place it in a plastic bag to keep it from drying out during transport to the Library.
- Place your plant in an available jar. There are water containers available to fill your jar. You can label your cutting if you know the name of your plant. If not, we’ll figure it out.
Please note:
The Library cannot accept donations of plants in dirt, and please be sure your cutting is healthy and free of pests/disease.
Thank you and Enjoy!