How to Propagate Succulents

How to Propagate Succulents

If you’re anything like me, you probably love to have succulents in the house. I try to keep them in bright windows that get plenty of light, but sometimes they can still get leggy. This happens when a plant isn’t getting enough light and it starts to stretch out causing the stem to grow long and the leaves to become widely spaced.

If you have a plant that is starting to become leggy, have no fear! This is the perfect time to propagate!There are several, simple ways to propagate succulents; we can’t wait to see them sprouting in containers around the house and garden all year long.

We’ll start by removing the lower leaves first. Be really careful when you remove the leaves from the stem. I hold the leaf firmly and wiggle it from side to side until I feel a little snap. You want to be sure you get the entire leaf. If you rip the leaf, leaving the base still attached to the stem, it will not be able to grow roots or a new plant.

When succulents such as some echeverias and Graptopetalum outgrow their pots or creep beyond allotted space in beds and borders, you can prune them and use the cuttings to start new plants. Young plants make great hostess and holiday gifts.

Step 1

Snap a rosette from the mother plant, leaving a couple inches of stem attached. Set the cutting aside in a dry, protected place, out of direct sun, until the cut end dries and seals (three days to a week).

Step 2

Plant the healed rosette in loose, well-draining potting soil or succulent mix. Water regularly, letting soil dry out between waterings.

Water sparingly until you see baby plants popping up around the stub. Once they’re large enough to handle, they should have formed their own small roots. Carefully separate them from the stub and pot them up individually.

Now you’ve saved money and added more plants to your collection!