A new trend for dipping plant cuttings in melted candle wax before propagation has been dismissed as ineffective by gardening experts. The method, popularised on social media, involves coating the cut end of a stem in wax to supposedly prevent bacterial infection and encourage root growth from nodes higher up the stem.
However, a simple test comparing a wax-dipped cutting with a plain one placed in water found no benefit. The untreated cutting rooted quickly and cleanly, while the waxed version showed delayed growth, with roots eventually emerging above the wax seal. The plant did all the work, not the wax.
Experts advise that a sharp cut, clean water, and bright indirect light remain the best methods for propagating houseplants like pothos. The wax hack adds unnecessary effort, potential contaminants, and no advantage.
