Propagating succulents is a great way to increase your collection without spending a fortune on new plants. These low-maintenance beauties easily regenerate from a single leaf or stem cuttings, making them ideal for propagation. In this detailed guide, we’ll cover the different techniques for propagating succulents at home, even if you’re a beginner gardener.
1. Water Propagation
Succulent water propagation, as the name suggests, involves submerging the cut end of the plant in water to encourage root development. Choose a healthy leaf from your succulent, gently twist it from the stem ensuring a clean pull. Allow it to dry for a few days in a shaded area until it forms a callus.
Once the leaf has calloused, fill a transparent glass or jar with water and cover it with a piece of breathable material secured with a band. Cut holes in the material and insert the calloused end of the leaf through it, ensuring only the tip touches the water.
Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation and rot. With time, roots will extend into the water. Once substantial root growth has occurred, plant the cutting in well-draining soil suited for succulents.
2. Soil Propagation
This is one of the most common succulent propagation techniques. You can propagate succulents in soil from leaves, offsets, and stem cuttings.
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From Leaves: Select a healthy, full leaf from your succulent. Make sure you pull it off cleanly without leaving any part of it on the stem. Let the leaf dry for a few days until it forms a callus. Then lay the calloused leaf on top of well-draining succulent soil, do not bury it. Mist the soil every few days and roots should start forming in a few weeks.
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From Offsets (Pups): Many varieties of succulent grow small baby plants (known as offsets or pups) at their base. Gently remove the offsets from the mother plant with a sharp knife, ensuring you don’t harm the main plant. Let them dry for a few days until a callus forms over the cut surface. Then you can plant them directly into succulent soil.
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From Stem Cuttings: If your succulent has become tall and leggy (also known as etiolated), you can take a stem cutting. Cut off the top few inches of the plant, including a part of the stem. Remove any leaves from the lower part of the stem and let it dry until it has calloused. Plant the cutting directly into succulent soil.
3. Air Layering
While not commonly used for succulents, air layering is a viable option for larger succulents like a jade plant that develop a woody stem over time. In air layering, you wound the plant’s stem to encourage the formation of roots from the wound while still attached to the parent plant.
Make a small cut into the stem of the plant and dust it with a rooting hormone. Wrap the wounded area with damp sphagnum moss and secure it by wrapping clear plastic around it. Once roots become visible within the sphagnum moss, cut the stem from below the new root system and plant it in appropriate soil.
4. Division Method
The division method is quintessential for succulents that grow in clusters or clumps, like Hen and Chicks or Aloe. This technique involves uprooting the entire plant, dust off the soil from the roots and gently separating individual plants from the clump. Each divided part should have a good root system and can be directly replanted into a new pot.
As with any propagation method, the key to success lies in patience and proper aftercare. Ensure your newly propagated succulents are kept in a bright spot away from direct sunlight and water them only when the soil is entirely dry. Moderation of water at the early stages is essential since small roots can easily rot with excess moisture.
Remember, succulents store water in their leaves, stems, and roots, so even if your propagation appears dry, it may still have some water reserves. A watchful eye, paired with these tested techniques, will help you cultivate a thriving succulent garden from mere cuttings and leaves. With trial and error, you’ll find the perfect technique that works best for your succulent varieties and the specific conditions of your home garden.
Whether you are a pro or a novice gardener, mastering these propagation techniques will efficiently multiply your succulent collection, making your indoor or outdoor space an oasis of these charming, water-wise plants. Happy gardening!
