Are you someone who has lots of glass cups and vases filled with plant cuttings? While jars, bottles, and the like are certainly practical, they’re not nearly as attractive as propagation stations. Planter test tubes make the plant-growing process a lot more beautiful no matter where you place them in your home.
If you’ve never heard of a propagation station (sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie!) but you still want to root your plant cuttings in style, then let us explain more about it as well as introduce you to the very best products on the market.
- What Is A Propagation Station
- 14 Best Propagation Stations
- 1. Mkono Wall Hanging Glass Planter Propagation Station
- 2. Mkono Wall Hanging Plant Terrarium
- 3. Ivolador Terrarium Flower Planters for Hydroponic Plants
- 4. Ivolador Desktop Glass Bulb Plant Station
- 5. VBgree Hanging Glass Planter for Air Plant Propagation
- 6. Marbrasse Desktop Glass Plant Propagator Hydroponics Vase
- 7. Vumdua Test Tube Planter Propagator Station
- 8. Ivolador Propagation Test Tube Planter Station
- 9. Topyi Terrarium Test Tube Planter Crystal Glass
- 10. Vumdua Test Tube Plant Propagator Station
- 11. Laffeya Hydroponic Plant Stand
- 12. Ivolador Desktop Planter Test Tube Building Blocks
- 13. Likemybaby Desktop Bulb Vase For Hydroponic Plants
- 14. Ivolador Wall Hanging Glass Propagation Plant Terrarium
- How to Use A Propagation Station
- Propagation Station Round Up
What Is A Propagation Station
A propagation station is simply a dedicated spot for propagating plants. It is ideal for green-thumbed enthusiasts who want to place their plant cuttings into the water for rooting before transferring them into the soil. While this station can be as simple as a small cup or glass jar, some people prefer to use more attractively designed planter tubes or terrariums not just for propagating purposes, but also as a floral arrangement or the focal point of their room.
If you want to propagate your baby plants in style and show them off to your guests, then take a look at our hand-selected products and choose your favorite from the list below.
By the way, our site is supported by visitors like you. Some links on this page may be affiliate links which means if you choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support! You can find out more here.
14 Best Propagation Stations
Our expert gardeners have reviewed dozens of propagation stations before selecting the most stylish and well-made product to include on our shortlist. The criteria included originality, style, quality, and practical propagating performance. Hopefully, our list of the best propagation stations will meet your needs. Let’s start our rundown and share our reviewer’s findings.
1. Mkono Wall Hanging Glass Planter Propagation Station
These wall-hanging glass test tubes from the reputable brand Mkono are our top pick due to their beautiful, minimalist design that fits right into any home decor. The slim glass containers provide plenty of space for root growth and since the tubes are transparent, you can easily observe your plant’s growth condition. A beautiful dark wood plant station frame and 5 elegant quality plant tubes make this plant propagator our overall favorite. On your desk, on the wall, or on a windowsill. Beautiful in its simplicity.
The wall-mountable or desktop stand planter station is suitable for most plants, such as African violets, Pothos vine, and even herbs. If you wish, you can even display your artificial or freshly cut flowers in the tubes and put them on show in your kitchen, living room, or office.
The package includes a handmade wooden stand and 5 test tubes with a cleaning brush. Check the latest prices on Amazon
Pros
- Easy to mount so versatile on a desk or on wall mounted
- Tall plant tubes
- Attractive design available in light and dark wood finish
Cons
- Nothing of significance
2. Mkono Wall Hanging Plant Terrarium
Again the reputable brand Mkono has come up with yet another aesthetically appealing propagation station in the form of hexagonal glass rooting vases that are mounted on the wall as a decorative way of displaying your baby plants. The wall-mounted containers are suitable for most air and water plants, and the small hole in the back of the vases allows you to hang the glass anywhere you like using a rope (not included).
The package includes 2 medium-size hanging glass planters and 2 nail hooks. A unique approach to a plant station and you can add to the number of rooting vases over time and build your own formation. You can this beautiful wall-hanging propagation station from Amazon, check the latest price
Pros
- Attractive design wall mounted rooting vases
- Sturdy
- Available in medium and large sizes
Cons
- A little on the expensive side
3. Ivolador Terrarium Flower Planters for Hydroponic Plants
These Ivolador Terrarium Flower Planters For Hydroponic Plants are interesting triangular and geometric hanging glass containers. They promise to add dimension to your living room, bedroom, or office. The heat-resistant, high boron glass ensures these stunning vases will have a long lifespan, thus making them excellent value for money. This hanging plant propagator station has a really unique and cool feel to it. We really like this one! It’s available from Amazon, check the latest price here
The package includes 3 hanging vases, 3 hanging ropes of up to 3.3 feet, and 1 tweezer.
How to install the vases: pass the rope into the top hole of the planter using the enclosed tweezer. Make a knot with the beginning of the rope and infix it on the body of the container before hanging the other end of it anywhere you choose.
Pros
- Good quality glass plant tubes
- A fun way of propagating plants
- Unique and novel plant station
Cons
- Nothing of significance
4. Ivolador Desktop Glass Bulb Plant Station
Ivolador Desktop Glass Bulb Plant Station is ideal as a desktop display of floral and plant arrangements in any room of the home.
The DIY wooden plant propagator is easy to set up, it only took us 5 minutes to assemble it! The package includes 3 mini bulb-shaped vases, a hexagon screwdriver with screws, and a wooden stand. The elongated triangular frame combined with the round plant tubes gives a really quirky plant station. It reminds me of some mad scientist experiment, so it’s pretty quirky.
Our reviewers found the bulbs a little on the small side and as such, only recommend them for miniature shrubs, ferns, and grass. On the plus side, they were pleased with the sturdiness of the bulb vases and their aesthetically appealing design. You can find this product available on Amazon, check the latest price here
Pros
- Well build plant station
- Easy to assemble
- Vintage design with bulb-shaped plant tubes
Cons
- Bulb vases are on the small side
5. VBgree Hanging Glass Planter for Air Plant Propagation
VBgree Hanging Glass Planter is another unique hanging design for air plants and cuttings. You can hang this plant station from a ceiling or on a wall and enjoy watching your baby plants grow roots.
With the enclosed 50-inch strings, 7 glass bottles (2 inches each) on one rope and 8 glass bottles on the other, and 2-size wall planters, these wall planters are ready to hang as soon as they’re delivered. Great for propagating succulent vines such as String of Dolphins. But equally hand for rooting pathos, lucky bamboo, monstera plant, or a Christmas cactus.
Our reviewers were pleased with how many cuttings they can place in each bottle. However, the glass planters are too small to fit larger clippings. A great idea if you have limited surface or wall space. Just hang this string of bottles in front of a window or in a bright room. Check the latest price here.
Pros
- Easy to hang
- Ideal for all plant types
- Attractive design
Cons
- Only suitable for small cuttings
6. Marbrasse Desktop Glass Plant Propagator Hydroponics Vase
Marbrasse’s Glass Plant Propagator and a stylish option for anyone looking for a centerpiece or focal point to sit proudly on your coffee table. An elegant plant station made from fabricated metal and wooden frames. The single rooting vase may not be ideal for anyone looking to propagate any number of plants, but for aesthetic use, this plant propagator really offers a more ornate option. It is available from Amazon at a very affordable price.
Standing 4.5″ tall and 7.5″ wide. This product is made with wood and metal frame, or an all-metal frame. The rooting vase is detachable allowing you to change the water as required to keep your cuttings in perfect condition.
Pros
- Ornate design will appeal to anyone looking for more than basic plant tubes
- Removable rooting vase
Cons
- Single plant tube
7. Vumdua Test Tube Planter Propagator Station
Propagate your plant babies or herbs in full view with the help of Vumdua Test Tube Planter Propagation Station. The test tube planters are suitable for most types of small plants and it’s perfect for a windowsill or desktop.
The package includes 3 glass test tubes and a handmade 6″ wooden stand. You have the benefit of two different-sized plant tubes with this set.
Our reviewers tested the sturdiness of the tubes and noticed after pouring water and placing their baby plants in them, the wooden stand couldn’t hold the weight as well as it should. Buy this product on Amazon.
Pros
- Minimalist look
- Very lightweight plant propagator
Cons
- Basic design with just three plant tubes
8. Ivolador Propagation Test Tube Planter Station
These slim test tubes from Ivolador are simple and fashionable thanks to their eye-catching design. This test tube station is ideal for smaller plants or flowers and you can show them off on your desktop or table. It features a nice dark-stained wooden base that has a classy feel about it.
The package includes 3 removable test tubes with an extra tube in case of any accidental break, 1 tube cleaning brush, and 1 wooden block stand. You can find the latest price here.
Our reviewers would have liked the test tubes to be slightly thicker glass, but fortunately, the manufacturer does include an extra spare plant tube in the package. Ivolador Propagation Test Tube Planter Station is a really nice distressed wood finish.
Pros
- High-quality wood stand with distress finish
- Spare plant tube included
- Attractive design
Cons
- Test tubes are fragile
9. Topyi Terrarium Test Tube Planter Crystal Glass
The stylish 2-pack crystal glass tubes from Topyi are made from glass, wood, and bamboo and make an attractive table or shelf decor. Besides rooting your plant cuttings, the glass cylindrical tubes are also suitable for freshly cut or artificial flowers.
The package includes 2 wooden stands, 4 test tube vases, and 2 tube cleaning brushes.
Our reviewers found these desk propagation stations great value for money and well made. They were sturdy, functional, and ideal for all types of plants. You can buy the Topyi Glass Tube Propagator at Amazon.com check for the latest price.
Pros
- Stylish modern design
- Twin set of plant stations
- Supplied with plant tube cleaning brush
Cons
- Nothing of significance
10. Vumdua Test Tube Plant Propagator Station
This authentic and antique-looking plant propagator from Vumdua is a unique and beautiful way of rooting your plant cuttings in water. It is also ideal for displaying freshly cut or artificial flowers to purify your indoor air and beautify your space. Ready straight out of the box and with the benefit of two different-sized plant tubes.
The package includes 1 wooden frame, and 3 plant tubes, in two different sizes. Buy it here.
Our reviewers thought the product was well worth the price and looks great. Just make sure you don’t put heavy clippings in the plant tubes. Otherwise, they may tip over.
Pros
- 2 different sized plant tubes
- No assembly required
- Simple, attractive design
Cons
- Lightweight plant tubes
11. Laffeya Hydroponic Plant Stand
This plant station from Laffeya is suitable for houseplant cuttings, or as a plant propagator for lucky bamboo, pothos, and even herbs. To enhance the look of these plant tubes, fill the base of them with a small amount of fine gravel or sand. They are available to buy on Amazon.com and make a really wonderful gift item.
The package includes 1 wooden frame, 6 plant tubes (1 extra) 1 cleaning brush, 1 wooden message board, 1 push pin, and 2 no-mark hooks.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Versatile for multiple applications
- A great gift idea
Cons
- Nothing of significance
12. Ivolador Desktop Planter Test Tube Building Blocks
This self-assembly plant station from Ivolador is possibly one of the most fun ways of propagating your baby plants. The wooden building blocks are the perfect size for a desktop display and they are painted in 4 colors: white, brown, grey, and coffee. Simply construct the plant propagator in the configuration you prefer and you’re ready to propagate!
The package includes 4 test tubes, 8 wooden building blocks, 1 plant tube cleaning brush, and 1 water bead. You can buy these geometric blocks at Amazon.com. Check the latest price.
What our reviewers most loved about these test tube building blocks is their interchangeability as they allow you to get creative and stack them how you like.
Pros
- Easy assembly interchangeable plant station
- Unique propagation station
- Not easy to break
Cons
- Nothing of significance
13. Likemybaby Desktop Bulb Vase For Hydroponic Plants
The retro design mini bulb-shaped vases from Likemybaby have a beautiful appearance and are suitable for small plant cuttings. The vases stand out on the wooden bench shelf and make a great focal point on your desktop.
The package includes 3 glass rooting vases, 1 wooden stand, and a metal holder.
Our reviewers found the glass rooting vases fragile, so care should be taken when handling them. Check this product’s latest price here.
Pros
- Unique design rooting vases
Cons
- The stand isn’t sturdy
- Average quality
- Small vases
14. Ivolador Wall Hanging Glass Propagation Plant Terrarium
These rectangular glass tubes from Ivolador are designed for multiple uses and applications. Whether you choose to mount them on the wall, display them on your desktop, or hang the glass vases in your kitchen, bathroom, or living room, these terrariums will work wonderfully in any space. Why not enhance their look and make them more eye-catching by adding some decorative gravel to the bottom of these vases?
The package includes 2 hanging clear glass vases and 2 no-mark hooks. Buy here from Amazon.
Pros
- High-quality glass
- Durable and stylish
- Sturdy glass
Cons
- Nothing of significance
How to Use A Propagation Station
So you’ve browsed through our list of propagation stations and are wondering how to use them. Well, it’s as simple as 1-2-3!
First, decide where you’ll be displaying your planter tubes or vases. You can mount them on the wall, place them on the bookshelf, in your office, or just about in any room you wish to show them off to your friends.
All the stations we’ve recommended can either be hung on the wall or displayed on their wooden stand on the shelf. You can paint the handmade wood or leave it as is for a rustic look… the options are endless!
But did you know stylish propagation stations aren’t just for rooting plant clippings; they can purify the air, function as the floral arrangement,s and add interest to your home decor? You can further enhance the elegance of your planter test tubes by filling them with small pebbles before placing your clippings or flowers in them.
If you’re asking yourself, what’s the best way to propagate my houseplants, we have the answer right here so keep reading…
Take The Cutting
Plant cuttings need roots before they start establishing by themselves. Almost every cutting you take from your existing house plants won’t have any roots at the initial stages so you need to encourage the cutting to grow some. This can be done by either planting the cutting in a nursery pot (the soil method) or simply putting it in a glass vase filled with water (the water method) and refreshing the water every few days or so.
The first method can be quite tricky as you can’t see how your baby plant develops in the soil. Propagating in water, on the other hand, is by far the easiest way to get your cutting to root. I like water propagation best as I know the cutting is actually taking root before potting.
Benefits of Rooting in Water
Rooting in water is not only quicker than the soil method, but it’s also the most fun way of propagation. All you do is place the cutting in clean water, wait for new roots to sprout, and show off your propagation skills to your friends.
The process of growing roots in water can take a couple of weeks, but once the roots appear, they will grow rapidly. Once the roots are around one-third of the cutting, you can plant them in soil.
Propagation Station Round Up
Next time you decide to propagate your houseplants, do it in style and use a propagation station. Refer to our recommended list of products that have been reviewed by our gardening experts and make your selection. From the ultra-chic and slim glass planter test tubes by the famous brand Mkono, to the decorative wall hanging terrariums or geometric vases by Ivolador and bulb vases from LikemyBaby, you’re certainly spoilt for choice!
