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As a gardener, propagating succulents successfully and transforming cuttings into happy, thriving plants is an incredibly rewarding (and super exciting) endeavour! It empowers you to add to your botanical collection (saving you money), fosters a sense of accomplishment, and encourages you to become closer connected to the wonders of nature.
If you want to begin your very own propagation project, you’re in the right place! Our helpful team of expert green thumbs have created this beginner-friendly guide to help you successfully cultivate new succulents. Dive in to start your propagation process!
What You Need:
Before you dive into our steps for successfully propagating succulents, check that you have the essential equipment listed below:
- Healthy and mature parent plants
- Sanitised scissors or pruning shears
- Well-draining soil mix
- Containers with drainage holes
- A safe indoor drying area
- Watering can or spray bottle
10 Easy Steps for Successfully Propagating Succulents
There are a few ‘do’s and don’ts’ when propagating succulents, such as using clean tools and not over-watering. If you’re a newbie to plant propagation, don’t worry! The Local Botanist team has mindfully created this fool-proof 10-stage guide, so you can propagate your succulents like a pro! Follow our easy steps to create your very own thriving succulent garden:
#1 Select Healthy Parent Plants:
Choose healthy parent plants to give your baby succulents the best start in life! By using a thriving parent succulent plant, you will provide the best genetic material for propagation, enabling your cuttings to root and grow successfully.
When choosing a parent plant, look out for these green flags: vibrant colours, plump leaves, and well-established roots.
#2 Choose the Right Time:
To ensure you are optimally propagating succulents, it’s best advised to plant your stem and leaf cuttings between spring and summer. This is because these months are the active growth season when succulent plants are most likely to grow roots and flourish.
#3 Take Clean Cuttings:
The last thing any gardener wants when propagating plants is to spread disease or make uneven cuts! Using super clean and sharp pruning shears or scissors will prevent these issues. It will ensure successful propagation and also encourage the mother plant to heal faster.
#4 Allow Cuttings to Dry:
After you’ve taken succulent cuttings, allow them to dry for a couple days. After around 1-2 days, you’ll see a callus forming. Allowing a callus to form before planting is super important for preventing rot.
After a callus is formed, you can take off a few leaves. Doing this encourages the plant’s nutrients and energy to be redirected toward the roots. It helps the plant grow healthier and stronger.
#5 Prepare a Well-Draining Mix:
Succulents aren’t as thirsty as other plants. After all, they come from arid environments, such as deserts and mountains, where water is scarce. If potted in damp soil, your succulent might become waterlogged and develop root rot. It will hinder growth and hurt your plant’s overall health.
Using well-drained potting soil is key to preventing this because it will re-create the natural environment these plants are accustomed to.
We recommend planting your baby succulent in a specially blended cactus/succulent soil mix to avoid any mistakes. If you’re in the mood for some DIY, you could alternatively create your own well-draining soil mix by combining perlite, sand, and potting soil.
#6 Carefully Plant the Succulent Cuttings
With a gentle hand, insert the dried cuttings into your well-draining mix of totally dry soil, burying a portion of the stem. It’s key to ensure that the leaves are placed above the soil line to prevent root rot and encourage healthy growth.
#7 Gradually Introduce to Sunlight:
Once planted, your succulent cuttings must be gradually introduced to sunlight. This is because sudden direct exposure to the sun will cause a nasty sunburn, as your baby succulent plant is used to indoor conditions. Slowly transitioning your plant to outdoor sunlight will prevent scorching. Plus, it allows it to acclimate and strengthen its roots, ensuring sustained growth.
#8 Water Sparingly:
As mentioned earlier, succulents are adapted to harsh hot and dry conditions and don’t need a regular watering routine. To prevent a waterlogged plant or root rot, you must allow the soil to dry out between watering.
#9 Monitor Growth:
Once all the other steps are out of the way, you’ll still need to keep a close eye on your baby succulent’s progress. Regularly checking on your new plant will help you identify any problems before they become too serious and irreversible, such as squishy yellow leaves from over-watering.
As your cuttings continue to flourish and grow, you may notice them becoming more turgid, brighter in colour, and standing more upright. This is a great sign! It means you’ve successfully propagated a new plant.
#10 Transplant if Necessary:
Like all plants, you’ll need to accommodate your succulent’s ongoing growth by transplanting them into larger pots.
This will allow roots to enjoy enough room to soak up all the nutrients they need. It’s key to ensure you pot them into a well-draining container with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and promote optimal root health. You should also use new soil each time to ensure your plants receive a fresh dose of nutrients every time they are repotted.
Try to be as delicate as possible when moving your precious creations into a new container, to prevent shocking the roots and damaging the succulents. The best way to avoid any disturbance and stress to the plant is by gently digging around it to loosen the soil surrounding the roots and slowly lift the plant.
Looking to Expand Your Succulent Collection? Discover Our Favorite Succulents!
If you want to diversify your succulent collection with new and unique varieties, explore our five favourite species available to order today from Local Botanist:
- Kalanchoe orgyalis ‘Copper Spoons’: Characterised by large leathery copper-green leaves, this stunning succulent will infuse your botanical garden with warmth and rustic flare.
- Crassula ovata Compacta ‘Dwarf Jade’: With small compact leaves, typically featuring a fiery red tip, these charming succulents exude character and vibrancy.
- Crassula undulatifolia ‘Curly Jade’: Distinguished by unique curly leaves, this elegant succulent will gracefully uplift your garden with spectacular texture.
- Crassula ovata ‘Gollum Jade’: Featuring remarkable tube-shaped leaves that are reminiscent of little trumpets, this enchanting succulent will transform your garden landscape into a magical fairytale.
- Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Firesticks’: With striking red and orange stick-shaped foliage, this bold succulent will set your garden alight with vibrancy and personality.
FAQs:
Below, we have answered the most frequently asked questions about propagating succulents:
Some species of succulent may be able to propagate in water. However, this method increases the likelihood of rot and disease. For most succulents, it’s best advised to propagate stem cuttings in well-draining soil.
The best time to propagate succulent leaf cuttings is during the growing season between spring and summer. This is because the succulent leaves are ready for growth, meaning they will successfully propagate to form new plants.
Succulent growth after propagation takes time and, therefore, requires patience. Ensuring you follow all the essential propagation steps will promote healthy and steady development that occurs naturally. However, if your cuttings are taking exceptionally long, it may be worth applying a rooting hormone to the soil.
