How to Propagate Succulent Plants: A Beginner’s Guide

Last Updated on May 10, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford

If you’ve ever admired the vibrant, low-maintenance beauty of succulent plants, you may be wondering how to increase your collection. Propagating succulents is an exciting and rewarding hobby that allows you to expand your succulent garden without breaking the bank.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of succulents, the most popular propagation methods, and some bonus tips to help your new baby plants thrive. Let’s dig in!

Introduction to Succulents

Succulents are a large group of plants that store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, allowing them to survive in arid environments. Their unique appearance and low-maintenance care have made them popular as indoor and outdoor plants.

The term succulent is derived from the Latin word “sucus”, which means juice or sap, referring to the water-retaining ability of these plants.

Propagation Techniques

1. Leaf Cuttings

Most succulents can be propagated through leaf cuttings. Here’s what you’ll need and how to do it:

Materials:

• A healthy parent succulent
• A sharp knife or scissors
• A shallow tray or pot
• Well-draining potting mix
• Optional: rooting hormone

Steps:

1. Gently remove a healthy, fully-grown leaf from the parent plant, ensuring there’s no part of the leaf still attached to the stem.
2. Optional: Dip the cut end of the leaf into rooting hormone.
3. Let the cut end of the leaf dry for a day or two, until it forms a callus, to prevent rot.
4. Place the leaf cuttings on top of the well-draining potting mix in a shallow tray, with the cut end facing down but not touching the soil.
5. Place the tray in bright, indirect sunlight, and maintain consistent moisture in the soil.
6. In a few weeks, roots and new baby plants will begin to grow from the base of the leaf cuttings.

2. Offsets (Pups)

Some succulents, like Echeverias, Aloe, and Agaves, produce small offsets, or “pups”, which can be separated from the parent plant and grown independently.

Materials:

• A parent succulent with offsets
• A sharp knife or spade
• Well-drained pots or containers
• Well-draining potting mix

Steps:

1. Locate a healthy offset attached to the parent plant. Make sure it’s reached a decent size and has a few roots of its own.
2. Carefully separate the offset from the parent plant by cutting the connecting root with a sharp knife or spade.
3. Allow the cut to dry and form a callus for a day or two, just like with leaf cuttings.
4. Plant the offset in a well-draining potting mix, and place it in bright, indirect sunlight.
5. Water the offset regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering.

3. Stems

Some succulents, like Hens and Chicks, Aeoniums, and Crassulas can be propagated through stem cuttings. What you need to do:

Materials:

• A healthy parent succulent
• A sharp knife or scissors
• Well-drained pots or containers
• Well-draining potting mix

Steps:

1. Cut a stem from the parent plant, ensuring there are at least two sets of leaves remaining on the stem.
2. Allow the cut end of the stem to dry and form a callus for a day or two, which will prevent rot.
3. Place the stem in the prepared potting mix and water thoroughly.
4. Place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight, and maintain consistent moisture in the soil.
5. In a few weeks, new baby plants will begin to grow from the base of the stem.

Optimal Conditions for Propagation

• Temperature: Most succulents prefer temperatures between 60°F and 85°F. They can tolerate some temperature fluctuations, but extreme heat and cold should be avoided.
• Light: During propagation, bright indirect light is best. Avoid direct sunlight, which can burn or harm the delicate new growth.
• Water: Keep the soil slightly moist, but not soaking wet. Too much water can lead to root rot.

How to propagate succulents in soil

1. Prepare a well-draining potting mix by combining equal parts of perlite and potting soil.
2. Fill the pots with the prepared soil, leaving a few inches at the top to allow for watering.
3. Take your cutting or offset and gently press it into the soil until the base is firmly planted.
4. Water your succulents once the soil is dry to the touch, allowing for excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
5. Place in a bright location with indirect light and keep it away from drafts or extreme heat sources.
6. Check on your succulents regularly to ensure that soil is moist and that the new growth is healthy. If needed, adjust your watering or light levels accordingly.
7. When roots have developed and the plants are established, you can slowly acclimate them to direct sunlight over several days.
8. Once they’re fully rooted, you can gradually increase water as needed and enjoy your new succulent babies!

How to propagate succulents in water

1. Prepare a clean glass container filled with room temperature filtered water.
2. Take your cutting offset and gently press it into water until the base is firmly.
3. Place a bright location with indirect light keep it away from drafts or heat sources.
4. Change out the water every few days to keep it fresh and clean.
5. When roots are developed, you can slowly transition your succulents to soil over several days.
6. Once fully rooted in soil, adjust watering as needed and enjoy your new succulent babies!

How to plant succulent cuttings without roots

1. Prepare a well-draining potting mix by combining equal parts of perlite and potting soil.
2. Fill the pots with the prepared soil, leaving a few inches at the top to allow for watering.
3. Take your cutting or offset and gently press it into the soil until the base is firmly planted.
4. Place the pot in a bright location with indirect light and keep it away from drafts or extreme heat sources.
5. Water your succulents lightly once every week, allowing for excess water to drain out of the bottom of the pot.
6. Check on your succulents regularly to ensure that soil is moist and that the new growth is healthy. If needed, adjust your watering or light levels accordingly.
7. When roots have developed and the plants are established, you can slowly acclimate them to direct sunlight over several days.
8. Once they’re fully rooted, you can gradually increase water as needed and enjoy your new succulent babies!
9. Make sure to fertilize your succulents every few months in order to keep them healthy and thriving.

Conclusion

Propagating succulents is a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to expand your garden without breaking the bank. With just a few tools and some patience, you can quickly increase your collection of vibrant succulent plants. Have fun, and happy growing!

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