Written by Roelof Jan Elsinga
Last updated on:
Welcome to the awesome world of succulent propagation! Get ready to grow some beautiful and fascinating variants of your favorite succulents. I've got a comprehensive yet simple guide just for you, whether you're an experienced "green thumb" or completely new to growing plants.
No worries if propagation feels intimidating, this easy guide is packed with tips on taking cuttings and planting up new succulents. Every plant lover had to start somewhere, so don't feel overwhelmed, at the end of this journey, you'll deserve bragging rights on becoming an expert succulent propagator.
In this plant care guide, we'll look at these topics:
Are you ready to start propagating your succulents? It's an exciting process and even allows you to experiment a little. Let's get started!
Understanding succulent propagation
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Have you ever wanted to grow your plant collection? Well, succulent propagation is the perfect way to do it! It's cost-effective, fun, and easy. To start propagating plants, you must first understand what it is.
In a nutshell, propagation is the process of producing new plants from the parts of existing ones, like stems or leaves. Doing this yourself can be incredibly exciting and looking after the new plants is very satisfying.
Why should you propagate succulents?
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Propagation is one of the most exciting projects to do with succulents! You can grow your collection without spending any extra money.
Even better, when something goes wrong with your succulents and they start looking unhealthy or too big for the pot, it's not the time to give up. Propagation is your chance to create new plants from the healthy parts of your succulent.
Methods of succulent propagation
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There are three main methods of succulent propagation: leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, and offsets or pups. In this guide, we are focusing on leaf cuttings, which is the most common and easiest method in my opinion.
While we focus on leaf cuttings in this guide, it's worth mentioning the other methods of succulent propagation. It's good to be aware of the other methods of propagation for your succulent because this gives you a little more flexibility.
Leaf cuttings
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Propagation through leaf-cutting involves removing a leaf from the parent plant and using it to grow a new plant. This is an excellent method for beginners because you need very little equipment and has a higher rate of success.
Stem cuttings
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Propagation through stem cuttings involves cutting a part of a stem, with a few leaves still on it, off the parent plant and letting the stem grow new roots. While I'm not focusing on this method of propagation in this guide, the process is almost identical to propagating a succulent from a leaf-cutting. So you can still follow along if you choose this propagation method.
Offsets or pups
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Very similar to the stem cuttings, you've got offsets. Some succulents produce baby plants, also known as offsets or pups. These pups can be gently separated from the parent plant and replanted on their own. This part looks very similar to a stem cutting, so if you choose this propagation method, you can also still follow along with this guide.
Essential materials for succulent propagation
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Ready to get started? Before you do, gather the materials you need to make this propagation process simple! This step is an important one. You don't want any surprises when you start your project.
But no worries, you'll likely already have these tools and materials in your house. And if not, just head to your local garden center and pick them up! Let's see what tools are required:
A healthy succulent
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A healthy succulent is all you need to get started on your propagation journey. Some are easier to propagate than others, so do a little research to find out which one is right for you to start with.
I recommend a succulent with fleshy leaves, like an Echeveria, as these are the easiest to propagate.
A clean, sharp knife or scissors
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If you're taking a stem cutting, you'll need a clean, sharp knife or pair of scissors. A clean cut helps to prevent infections and increases the chances of successful propagation.
If you're taking a stem cutting, you won't need scissors, because you can pluck the leaf right off the plant with your fingers.
A pot or container
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You'll need a container or pot with a drainage hole. The drainage hole helps you to keep your plant healthy because the excess water can drain easily and you won't have to worry about overwatering. This is one of the most common succulent propagation problems, so the drainage hole will be a use benefit.
Succulent or cactus mix soil
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Succulents need well-draining soil to prevent root rot. A succulent or cactus mix is perfect, as it's specially designed to drain water quickly.
With just a few ingredients, you can easily make your succulent potting mix! Start with three equal parts of regular potting soil, coarse sand, and perlite or pumice.
This combination helps to keep your succulent happy. The potting soil helps to provide essential nutrients, the sand prevents soggy roots and improves drainage, and the tiny little pumice or perlite grains keep the soil light and airy, helping to prevent compacted soil.
A spray bottle
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A spray bottle is useful for watering your cuttings without soaking the soil. Remember, overwatering can cause your cuttings to rot. Using a spray bottle is completely optional, but I do recommend it for beginners because it makes it much less likely for you to overwater your succulent.
Step-by-step guide to propagate succulents
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We're finally ready to start propagating your succulent. Let's break down the process in short, simple steps that give you all the information you need to successfully propagate your cutting.
Step 1: Choose a healthy succulent leaf
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It's important to find a leaf that will help you get the best result when propagating succulents. Look out for a fleshy, full-colored leaf that isn't too wet or dry. Being selective in your choice is key because a healthy leaf gives you the highest chances of success.
Step 2: Remove the leaf properly
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Grab hold of the leaf near its stem and give it a gentle twist. Be sure to take only the leaf, leaving behind no lingering parts of the stem. If you happen to break or tear off too much of the leaf, chances are that it won't propagate correctly like it's supposed to. So be mindful when you take those leaves!
For most succulents, the gentle twist will be enough and you should be able to get the leaf off the plant without pulling on it.
Step 3: Let the leaf dry
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After twisting the leaf off its stem, it's important to set it aside for a day or two in a bright spot. This simple step has an amazing effect! It lets the wound heal at the base of the leaf. Doing this prevents it from absorbing too much water and turning into mush while it's in the soil.
If you've taken a stem cutting or you've cut an offset of the parent plant, you should also let the cutting dry for one or 2 days to let the wound on the stem heal.
Step 4: Place on well-draining soil
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Once the leaf on your plant has calloused off, it's time to place it on the soil. Start by filling up a pot with succulent or cactus mix soil.
Now that your pot is prepped, carefully place the leaf on top of the soil so the part that was connected to the stem is touching the soil. Don't bury the leaf, but place it on top of the soil. You can push the part that was connected to the stem into the soil a little bit further, but that's enough for it to grow roots.
Step 5: Provide indirect light and water
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Place the pot with the cutting(s) in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight, which can cause the leaf to dry out and die. Spray the soil with water whenever it feels dry to the touch, usually every 2-3 days.
The soil shouldn't be fully soaked at this point, as this could cause the cuttings to rot. A little bit of moisture goes a long way.
Step 6: Wait for roots and a tiny succulent
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In a few weeks, something special should start to happen at the base of your leaf! Keep an eye out for tiny pink roots starting to sprout. If you keep looking after it well, very soon you'll have your very own mini succulent growing there.
Patience is required and things take time, but soon enough you'll be able to see results from all your care! Succulents don't grow very quickly, so it could take a while before you see any growth. At this point, if you see that the leaf stays full and fleshy, you're doing everything right. The leaf can feed itself and that's all it needs to do.
Step 7: Plant your new succulent
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When the new plant looks strong and the parent leaf has dried out, you're ready to put it in a small pot. Planting this little succulent in its own pot calls for a celebration. From rooting cuttings and encouraging new growth to potting it up, this project was all you! You've done it!
Propagation troubleshooting tips
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Things aren't always supposed to work the way we plan, and that's okay! Propagation issues don't have to be a reason to worry. It's part of nature and is expected sometimes. Here are a few problems you might come across while propagating, as well as tips for dealing with them.
No roots are forming
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If you've been waiting a few weeks and haven't seen any roots growing from your leaf cutting just yet, don't worry. Try moving it to an area that's warm and bathed in a little more light warmth. Just remember, make sure it's not sitting in direct sunlight. That can cause too much heat and damage the leaf.
The leaf is withering
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Are you seeing the leaves of your plant shriveling up? Check whether it's getting too much sunlight or not enough water. The amount of light and water can make all the difference! Adjust accordingly, and watch as vibrant growth returns to your plant!
The leaf is rotting
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Do you have a leaf on your indoor plant that is looking less than perfect? It could be rotting, and if this is the case, it might be due to overwatering. No worries, there's an easy fix with just a few steps!
Reduce the amount of watering. You want the soil to be damp, but not overly soaked. Once you have done this, make sure to give the soil some time in between waterings to fully dry out.
Does propagating hurt the succulent?
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If you're just starting with succulents, you might be wondering if propagation hurts them. Don't worry, it's entirely natural! Propagation is a big part of a succulent's life and development. It won't cause any harm to your plant.
Natural propagation
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Succulents are tough plants that, in their natural habitats, drop leaves which then fall to the ground. This is an amazing way nature gives them a chance to survive and start again!
By propagating succulents at home, you're embracing the same method nature uses to keep these plants alive!
Pruning for plant health
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Did you know that propagation can help keep succulents looking their best? Propagation is a great way to manage the size of a succulent and boost its health. When an overgrown succulent gets cut back, it not only stops it from becoming weak and leggy but encourages good growth so it looks better too!
So if your plants are looking overgrown or in need of a healthier start, then don't forget about propagation as an option!
Rescue operation
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Propagation can be your rescue plan for plants that are feeling under the weather! If disease or overwatering has been a problem, you still might be able to save it. All you have to do is take the healthier cuttings and roots of the plant and put them in some new potting soil. Then provide lots of light and water regularly.
The key is to pay attention and follow all the steps correctly. Many people find propagating plants quite successful, so don't be afraid to try it!
Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.
Tags:propagation
Posted on: Jun 3, 2023