Propagating succulent leaves & cuttings: step-by-step guideUpdated 3 years ago
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Propagation is a fun and simple way to recycle overgrown plants and multiply your collection. With a little bit of care, succulents can re-grow roots from offsets or cuttings of leaves and stems. Succulents have high concentrations of meristem cells and enough water stored to support a cutting while it grows new shoots and roots. This a common way for succulents to grow in the wild and the process does not require fertilizer or rooting hormones.
Please note: Even with proper diligence, some cuttings and offsets may not take root, but the following guide will greatly increase your chance of success.
1. Make the Cutting
- Use a sharp, clean knife or pair of scissors
- For rosettes like Sempervivum and Echeveria, cut a new rosette offset from the mother plant (remove any undesired leaves)
- For stemmed varieties, cut at the stem and remove enough leaves to expose the lower 1"-2" of stem for planting
- For thick-leaved soft succulents, remove a mature, healthy basal leaf with a bit of stem tissue attached
2. Let Dry
- Keep the offset or cutting in a cool, shaded location 3-5 days so that the cut can dry and callus
- Cuttings from MCG are sent pre-dried and ready to plant
3. Prepare the Pot
- If possible, use containers with drainage holes
- Fill the container with a gritty, well-draining soil such as cactus / succulent potting soil from a garden center
4. Plant
- Plant the cut end of a stem, leaf, or offset into the soil (the lowest leaves should sit just above the soil without touching it)
- Compress the soil just enough to get the cutting to stand upright
3. Pick the Right Location
- Place in bright, indirect light (not full sun) with plenty of airflow
- Keep indoors between 60F and 80F, protected from extreme temperatures
4. Water
- While cuttings and offsets are rooting, water frequently enough to keep the soil from drying out, but not so often that you see standing water
- Depending on temperature and humidity, actual frequency is usually 2-4 times per week
5. Care for Rooted Succulents
- After 2-4 weeks, a very gentle pull will tell you if a cutting has rooted
- If working with outdoor or full sun varieties, they are now ready to gradually acclimate into these conditions (take about two weeks to slowly transition them)
- Transition to deeper, less frequent watering (only water when soil is fully dry)