Studies have shown that houseplants can have positive psychological benefits that may include lowering cortisol levels, increased feelings of calm and boosting productivity. 

Contact asked UQ researcher Dr Alice Hayward (Bachelor of Science '03, Doctor of Philosophy '09) for some top tips on keeping and propagating native houseplants.

So if you have a history of fickle fiddle leaf figs or peace lilies that never stood a chance, read on to learn how to live in harmony with something potted.

What kind of plants can I propagate easily in my home (indoor and outdoor)?

Australia is one of the most biodiverse places in the world – we have a huge number of incredibly unique and attractive plants that will support local biodiversity and be adapted to our conditions.

Many Australian native plants are well-suited to home propagation. Indoors, species like Asplenium australasicum (Bird’s Nest Fern), Howea forsteriana (Kentia Palm), Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella Tree), Doodia aspera (Rasp Fern) and Viola banksii (Native Violet) are excellent choices due to their tolerance of low light and humidity.

Outdoors, hardy and attractive species such as Grevillea, Callistemon (Bottlebrush), Correa, Westringia (Native Rosemary), and Dianella caerulea (Blue Flax-lily) are ideal for containers and garden beds.

When choosing native plants to propagate, it’s best to select local-provenance species – plants naturally adapted to your region’s soil, climate and ecology. These plants support local wildlife and often require less watering, fertilising and pest control.

In Brisbane, excellent native plants for propagation include:

• Pandorea jasminoides (Bower of Beauty)
• Brachyscome microcarpa (Forest Daisy)
• Austromyrtus dulcis (Midyim Berry)
• Melaleuca linariifolia (‘Claret Tops’)
• Callistemon – multiple species (Bottlebrush)
• Banksia spinulosa (Candlestick Banksia)

To find native plants suited to your local area, use the Australian Native Plants Society’s Plant Profiles Database (ANPSA) which includes over 800 species searchable by region, plant type and growing conditions. Visiting a local native nursery or joining ANPSA’s Queensland branch (Native Plants Queensland) can also help you find suitable species.

The Brisbane City Council also provides a list of soil types by suburb and runs a Free Native Plants Program, offering 2 free native plants annually to residents. Additionally, Land for Wildlife Queensland offers propagation guides and promotes the use of local provenance species for conservation and gardening.

Why can some plants happily live in a pickle jar of water for years?

Some plants are naturally adapted to wet or low-light environments, making them ideal for low-maintenance water propagation. These species often easily form adventitious roots – roots that grow from stems or leaves – and may have evolved mechanisms for efficient nutrient uptake and tolerance to hypoxia (low oxygen), allowing them to survive in water for extended periods. This can also make them tolerant to neglect – bonus!

Most of us will know of Devil’s Ivy/Pothos (Epipremnum), but Australian native plants to explore could include Hoya australis (Wax Plant), which is non-toxic to pets and safe for indoor use, or the Australian native Monstera (Epipremnum pinnatum).

With all plants, it’s wise to look up toxicity to pets and children – especially if you also cultivate these at home! Topping up the water, indirect light and occasional use of liquid fertiliser can also enable long-term happiness.

How do I take the best cutting – where do I snip and what length?

Not all plants are easy to propagate from cuttings – in fact many of our favourite woody tropical fruits like avocado and mango cannot be efficiently propagated this way. Other species like our water-loving plants mentioned earlier are much easier – it all depends on the ability to form adventitious roots.

For Australian woody plants, the best cuttings are typically taken from semi-hardwood stems – those that are firm but not fully woody. Very generally, cuttings of 8–15cm long can be taken using a clean, sharp blade to make a diagonal cut just below a bud node (where leaves attach). Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in a rooting hormone like ‘clonex’. Place the cutting in a well-draining mix (e.g., coarse sand and perlite) and keep it in a warm, humid environment (I often use a zip lock bag or upturned plastic container to cover) out of direct sunlight.

Success will vary depending on species and time of year – always choose healthy, disease-free parent plants and avoid taking cuttings during flowering, as energy is diverted from root development. Some Australian natives amenable to cuttings include Callistemon (Bottlebrush), Prostanthera (Mint Bush) and Westringia (Native Rosemary).