The problem
Taking cuttings is one of the most satisfying things you can do as a plant owner, but most people lack confidence. Stems sit in water for weeks doing nothing, or collapse in soil before roots appear. So when a hack promises to speed things up using nothing more than a raw potato, news travels fast.
The hack
The potato is supposed to keep the cutting hydrated and release nutrients as it breaks down, giving the stem everything it needs to form roots before it has to fend for itself. Some videos claim that potatoes contain salicylic acid, which encourages rooting.
The method
Take a fresh stem cutting from a healthy plant, making sure it has at least one node, and trim the lower leaves. Take a raw potato and use a skewer or pencil to make a hole the same width as the stem. Push the cutting firmly into the potato so it sits snugly upright, then plant the whole thing – potato included – into a pot of soil. Water lightly and place in bright, indirect light.
The test
I tried this with a rose cutting and a pothos. The pothos produced a small amount of root growth, and the rose cutting collapsed before anything useful happened.
The verdict
Potatoes do contain salicylic acid, but research suggests it actually suppresses root formation. A clean cut, fresh water and good light still remain the most reliable route to propagation, no vegetables required.
