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How To Propagate Succulents

One of the best things about succulents is that they are easy to propagate, which means that you can create more plants from a single plant. In this article, we will share the four main methods of propagating succulents: leaves, stems, cuttings, and division.

Propagation by Leaves

One of the best ways to propagate a succulent is by using leaves. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Select a healthy succulent plant with several leaves.

Step 2: Gently remove a leaf from the base of the plant.

Step 3: Allow the leaf to dry out, usually for three to four days.

Step 4: Place the dried leaf into a container filled with a well-draining soil mix.

Step 5: Water the soil sparingly until it is moist, but not too wet.

Step 6: Ensure the soil is kept warm and in bright light.

Step 7: Within a few weeks to months, roots will begin to appear from beneath the leaf and eventually form a new plant.

Here are some typical succulents that can be propagated by leaves

Propagation by Stems:

Propagating succulents by stem cuttings is a fantastic way to grow your plant collection. Here is how you can do it:

Step 1: Choose a healthy plant and select a stem that is at least four inches long and has no flowers or buds.

Step 2: Cut the stem close to the base of the plant with a clean, sharp pair of scissors.

Step 3: Allow the cutting to dry for one or two days.

Step 4: You can now plant the cutting in a pre-moistened, well-draining potting mix.

Step 5: Keep the soil moist and in bright, indirect light.

Step 6: Within a few months, roots will start to form, and your succulent will begin to establish itself.

Typical succulents that can be propagated by stem cutting are

Agave oteroi
aloe pink blush
Cremnosedum ‘Little Gem’
Echeveria ‘Galaxy Blue’

Propagation by Division:

Dividing a mature succulent plant is a great way to propagate more plants:

Agave oteroi
aloe pink blush
Corpuscularia taylorii
Crassula barkleyi
Crassula brevifolia
Crassula Moonglow
Kalanchoe blossfeldiana (Flaming Katy, floriferous)

Follow these steps:

Step 1: Carefully remove the succulent plant from its container or garden.

Step 2: Shake off the soil, and you will notice that the plant may have developed several baby plants or offsets.

Step 3: Gently separate the baby plants, ensuring they have their roots and are not damaged.

Step 4: Choose a well-draining potting mix and plant the individual offset.

Step 5: Water sparingly to avoid rotting and place in bright light.

Propagation by Cuttings:

Propagating by cuttings is one of the easiest ways to grow new plants. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Choose a healthy succulent plant and select a new growth that has at least two sets of leaves.

Step 2: With a clean pair of scissors, cut the leaf from the parent plant. Ensure you cut as close to the stem as possible.

Step 3: Allow the cutting to dry for a day or two.

Step 4: Choose a well-draining potting mix and plant the cutting.

Step 5: Water sparingly and place in bright light.

Step 6: Within a few weeks, roots will start to form, and your new plant will be well on its way to establishing itself.

Propagating succulents is easy and fun. It allows you to grow your plant collection with ease and share the beauty of these low-maintenance plants with your family and friends. If you follow steps outlined above correctly, you can successfully propagate your succulents by leaves, stems, cuttings, and division. 

Remember to be patient and avoid overwatering, and your plants will thrive.

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