Love avocados? Then you’ll be thrilled to know that growing your own avocado trees doesn’t have to take forever—or require special tools. While starting from seed is the traditional route, it’s slow and unpredictable. But there’s a much quicker and more reliable method: propagating from cuttings, and you can do it using everyday natural ingredients like onion and aloe vera!
In just over a month, you could have healthy, thriving avocado roots and new shoots forming. Here’s how to do it step by step.
🌿 Step 1: Pick the Perfect Cutting
Start by choosing a healthy, semi-hardwood branch from an existing avocado tree. Look for a cutting that’s about 5 to 8 cm long, still green and flexible but slightly firm. Make sure it has a few leaf nodes—this is where new roots will emerge.
Use sterilized, sharp pruning shears to cut the branch at a slight angle. This increases the surface area for root formation and reduces the chance of rot or infection. Steer clear of any cuttings with signs of pests or disease.
🧅 Step 2: Use Onion as a Natural Root Booster
Surprisingly, onion makes a great natural rooting hormone! It’s packed with compounds like sulfur and antibacterial agents that help protect the cutting while encouraging strong root development.
How to make the onion rooting solution:
- Chop up a few onion slices and crush them lightly.
- Soak the crushed pieces in water for 15–20 minutes.
- Strain the liquid and discard the solids.
Dip the cut base of your avocado branch into this onion-infused water. This pre-treatment supports faster, healthier root growth and wards off harmful microbes.
🌱 Step 3: Coat the Cutting with Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe vera is another natural superstar when it comes to rooting. The gel inside the leaves is full of enzymes, vitamins, and plant hormones that help cuttings recover and root more effectively.
Here’s how to use it:
- Slice open a fresh aloe vera leaf.
- Scoop out the gel.
- Generously coat the cut end of the branch with the gel.
This step adds a protective layer, seals in moisture, and provides nutrients to encourage fast root growth.
💧 Step 4: Wrap the End in Moist Tissue
Now that your cutting is prepped with aloe, wrap the base in a damp tissue. This helps maintain a consistent moisture level around the rooting area, preventing it from drying out too quickly.
Important: Keep the tissue moist, not soaking wet. Too much water can cause rot, so aim for dampness—not drenching.
🪴 Step 5: Plant the Cutting in Sand
For the rooting medium, sand is ideal. It drains well, preventing soggy roots, while holding just enough moisture to promote root development.
- Fill a small pot or seedling tray with coarse or river sand.
- Moisten the sand lightly—don’t soak it.
- Insert the cutting about 3–4 cm deep into the sand.
- Press the sand gently around the base to stabilize it.
🌤️ Step 6: Keep It in the Shade
Place the potted cutting in a shaded area with indirect sunlight. Avoid full sun while the cutting is rooting, as it could dry out or stress the plant. A shaded patio, windowsill, or greenhouse corner works great.
If you live in a dry climate, you can loosely cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome to trap humidity—just make sure it’s well-ventilated to avoid mold.
🚿 Step 7: Keep Moisture Levels Steady
Water is essential—but too much of it can backfire. During the first month, water the cutting twice a day (morning and evening) to maintain steady moisture in the sand.
Check regularly: if the sand feels dry to the touch, lightly mist or water it. If it’s still damp, wait. The goal is to keep it evenly moist—not soggy.
🌱 Step 8: Monitor Growth and Progress
Around day 32, you should start seeing signs of life! Gently tug on the cutting—if it resists, roots are likely forming. You may also spot new buds or tiny leaves emerging.
Once the roots are well established and fresh growth appears, you’re ready to transplant the young avocado tree into a larger pot or into your garden.
🌳 Final Thoughts
Propagating avocado trees from cuttings is simpler than most people think—especially when you use natural helpers like onion and aloe vera. With a bit of care, patience, and the right setup, you’ll be able to grow strong, fruitful avocado trees that are perfect clones of the original.
Try this method at home and watch your cuttings transform into thriving young trees. In just over a month, you could be on your way to enjoying homegrown avocados—without waiting years for results.
