Succulents make a unique design statement and are a great choice for novice plant parents or those with busy schedules. These sun-loving desert plants have thick, fleshy leaves that retain moisture and tolerate frequent watering, making them a great low-maintenance houseplant choice. Another reason to love succulents is that by learning how to propagate them, you can “grow” your collection exponentially.
Propagation is the process of taking the leaves and stems of an existing succulent (or any plant) and coaxing them to grow into a new plant. We enlist the help of plant experts to help you with simple steps to expand your succulent collection and expand your mind.
Stephanie FR Horton, aka “Botanical Black Girl,” is an interior plantscape designer based in Alabama. Debra Lee Baldwin, known as the “Queen of Succulents,” is a gardening author and gardener. She wrote her three best-selling books: Designing with Succulents, Succulent Container Gardens, and Succulents Simplified. Lily Cox is co-owner of Rewild, a plant store with four locations in Washington, DC.
Propagation basics
Simply put, propagation is the way plants reproduce. There are several propagation methods, and the best method to use depends on the type of plant you are working with. Most succulents can form new growth from leaf or stem cuttings, creating entirely new plants from existing plants.
best time to breed
You can propagate succulents at any time, but to increase your chances of success, consider trying them in the spring or summer when light, the most important resource for plant growth, is most abundant. “For most plant-related maintenance, the best time for propagation is during the 'growing season,'” says Stephanie Horton of Interior Plant Caper. “However, if conditions in your area permit, they can be successfully propagated year-round.”
Succulents perfect for propagation
Some succulents are easier to propagate than others, and some are more successful with one method (leaves or stems) than others. Here are some of the easiest succulents to propagate.
Many Sedum varieties (leaves and stems) Aeonium (stems) Echeveria (leaves) Graptoveria Fred Ives (leaves and stems)
“Stemmed succulents like crassula (jades and related plants) are easiest,” says Debra Lee Baldwin. “Succulents that form offsets, which are small plants attached to a mothership, are also easy.” Conversely, the most difficult succulents to propagate are those grown from seeds, such as lithops (pebble-like plants) and haworthia. she added.
what you need
Mother plant Clean scissors or scissors Rooting hormone (optional) Propagation container or tray Cactus or succulent soil or potting soil mixed with sand Permanent pot Water
When choosing a pot, succulents grow best in shallow pots. “The ideal pot for succulents is one that's wider than it is deep,” says Baldwin. “Succulents have shallow roots, so if your container is too deep, it can hold too much water and risk rotting the roots.”
How to increase leaves on succulents
Many succulents naturally reproduce by shedding their leaves, forming new plantlets called offspring. “The part of the plant that was originally attached to the main stem becomes hard, then it starts to develop roots, which then go into the ground and sprout,” says plant store owner Lily Cox.
If you have succulents with fleshy leaves, such as jade, echeveria, or sempervivum rosette, you can imitate this type of propagation at home. “In leaves, the growth tissue is at the end of the stem,” Baldwin explains. “In leaf propagation, new small leaves grow upwards while the roots grow downwards.”
“As the new plant becomes established, it takes water and nutrients away from the parent leaves, causing them to slowly die,” Baldwin continues. Propagating succulents with leaf cuttings is relatively easy, although it may take a few weeks to see results. Here's how you can try it:
Step 1: Pull leaves from healthy plants
Horton says cuttings from well-hydrated, healthy plants have a better chance of thriving. “You're looking for firm, healthy leaves that you can use,” Horton says. “If your leaves are severely shriveled, yellowed, black, or brown, it can be a sign of overwatering, but this is usually the best solution for successful reproduction. It’s not a starting point.”
Once you have selected a healthy leaf, gently twist and pull the leaf to break it as close to the stem as possible. When you cut a leaf, you may notice that the cut end is quite wet. This is normal because succulents retain water in their stems and leaves to cope with drought.
Step 2: Leave the leaves until they harden.
Horton suggests waiting two to five days for the cut to heal or harden. By following these steps, you can prevent root rot.
Step 3: Apply rooting hormone (optional)
Rooting hormones are often sold as powders and will speed up the propagation process, but are not required. Cox suggests dipping the tip of the pup in powder after it has callused and before placing it on soil.
Step 4: Plant the leaves in soil
Place the leaves, with their bases calized, on top of a container or tray filled with moist cactus or succulent soil. “Don't grow too many,” Baldwin warns. “If a succulent's leaves peel off easily, like a graptopetalum or sedum, those leaves will want to root where they land,” she explains. “So try to recreate that environment.”
Mature succulents will thrive in plenty of sunlight, but indirect light is best, as too much light can burn the leaves and growing offspring. “Keep it out of direct sunlight and on soil with little moisture,” Baldwin added.
“After about two weeks, the cuttings should start to form roots and baby succulents, although they may vary a little,” Horton says.
Step 5: Potting the seedlings
After a few weeks, the baby succulent's roots begin to grow stronger and the leaves will fall off naturally. That's when it's time to repot your pup into a well-drained container filled with succulent soil or well-drained potting soil.
How to increase succulent stems
If you have a succulent with multiple stems or branches, such as sedum, jade, haworthia, or aeonium, you can try propagating from a single stem. Cox said these succulents tend to become leggy, which happens when they receive more sunlight, resulting in fewer leaves and longer stems.
“When you cut off a stem, you prune the existing plant and potentially allow a new plant to grow,” Cox says. “The floret will continue to grow from where you cut the part with roots, and roots will grow where you cut off the top.” Here's how.
Step 1: Cut stems from healthy plants
As a mother plant, aim for a stock that looks healthy. Ideally, choose one with a few healthy leaves. Avoid choosing stems with leaves that look shriveled or soggy.
Use clean scissors or scissors to cut the selected stems. “Look for bands where leaves once were attached,” Baldwin explains. “That ring becomes the root.”
Next, Baldwin continues, “simply cut the stem so that the upper leaves or rosettes are upright in the soil. The stems of the cuttings do not need to be long; they should be long enough to anchor the roots. That's enough,” he added.
Step 2: Produce callus on the trunk
To increase the probability of successful propagation, leave the base of the stem stiff for several days.
Step 3: Remove a few leaves
Once the base of the stem has formed a callus, Cox suggests removing the 2 inches of leaves from the bottom of the stem. This allows the stem to sink into the soil more easily and roots to form where the leaves were removed.
Step 4: Plant the stems in soil
Place the tough end of the cut stem in a container or tray of succulent soil in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. “If you're concerned about (too much) sun, cover your new plant with a light towel or shade cloth for about a week, or until it takes root,” says Baldwin.
Avoid overwatering as this can damage your succulent's fragile new roots. “Until roots develop, the cutting cannot absorb water,” Baldwin explains. The soil needs to be easily penetrated by the roots, so mist it occasionally to keep the surface just barely moist.
Step 5: Replant
Before repotting, “wait until your baby plants are large enough to stand on their own,” says Baldwin. “One way to tell if it's (ready to repot) is if the roots are starting to grow. Sometimes the roots are starting to grow into empty spaces.” Once you see it growing, repot your new succulent in a larger pot filled with succulent soil or regular potting soil mixed with sand.
Growing succulents in water
Many houseplants, such as pothos, philodendrons, and monsteras, can be propagated in water and transferred to soil after the roots have grown a few inches, but that may not be the best choice for succulents. Dryness can initiate succulent growth, and water can interfere with the succulent's propagation process, Cox said.
If you want to try water propagation, avoid starting with leaves as they can rot if they get too wet. “You can have more success with water propagation if you use full-stemmed cuttings that are larger and don't require as much support for support,” Horton advises, noting that leaf cuttings can fall out of place and become submerged in water. He added that it is likely.
Bottom line: For optimal success, stick to propagating succulents by inserting their leaves and stems into soil, leaving pothos to propagate in water.
FAQ
How long does it take for succulent cuttings to root?
The time it takes for succulent cuttings to root depends on the type of succulent and the environment. Most varieties will root in 2-3 weeks, but some varieties may take several months.
When can I set up my new succulent outdoors?
The length of time you keep newly propagated succulents outdoors depends on climate, season, and sun exposure. Before moving indoor plants outdoors, you need to harden them off. This means gradually strengthening the plant to withstand the new environment.
To harden off your new succulent, initially expose it to sunlight or a new outdoor location for just one hour a day. After a few days, gradually increase the exposure time and allow them to fully acclimate to the new location after 1-2 weeks.
Keep in mind that the more time your succulent is exposed to sun and wind, the more water it will consume.
Can I use a plant light or grow light for propagation?
Yes, you can propagate succulents using artificial light if natural light is not available. LED lights are preferable as they emit less heat.
Avoid using grow lights that produce a lot of heat so your new cuttings don't get too hot or dry out.
Why do my leaf and stem cuttings rot?
Some conditions can cause new propagation to rot rather than root.
Too much heat or too much water Pest or fungal problems Exposure to invisible pathogens during cutting or before cornification Unhealthy mother plant
To prevent spoilage, follow the guidance below.
Disinfect your hands and tools before collecting cuttings. Choose cuttings from healthy plants. Avoid allowing water to accumulate near the cuttings, except at the base.