Effortless Succulent Propagation: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Whether you have a bunch of succulents or are just starting your collection, propagating succulents at home is easier than you might think. In this guide, I’ll show you how to propagate succulents step by step. I’ve grown hundreds of succulents and helped many others with their gardens, so I know the common mistakes to avoid. I’ll also share tips on creating the right environment for them to grow and how to care for your propagated succulents once they’ve taken root. If you’ve ever thought succulents were difficult to keep alive, I’ll prove that with the right knowledge and a suitable climate, they can be simple and beautiful additions to your home or garden.

propagating succulents

Step-by-Step Guide: Propagating Succulents in Water

Propagation in water can be a debated method due to the risk of root rot and overwatering. However, with the right approach, it can be successful. Follow these steps to propagate succulents in water:

Cuttings

  1. Select a healthy stem cutting with a suitable length.
  2. Ensure only a small portion of the stem is submerged in water.
  3. Avoid fully submerging the cutting to prevent rotting and dirtying the water.
  4. Choose a container that is not too deep and allows visibility, like a glass container.
  5. Wrap cling wrap around the top of the container and poke small holes to secure the stem.
  6. Place the container in a well-lit area, but away from direct sunlight.
propagating succulents in water

Leaves

  1. Ensure the leaf is healthy with a callus formed over the end where it was separated from the mother plant.
  2. Use a shallow container and cover it with plastic wrap.
  3. Cut appropriate holes in the plastic wrap for the leaves to rest without touching the water.
  4. Take extra care with leaves, as they are more prone to rotting.
  5. Keep the water clean and monitor for root formation.
propagating succulent leaves in water

Maintenance

  1. Monitor the water clarity and change it only if it becomes very cloudy.
  2. Refill the water when it becomes too low.
  3. Mist leaves are placed on a paper towel daily, ensuring no signs of rot or excessive dirt.
  4. Be gentle while handling leaves and their delicate roots.

Potting

  1. Wait until your cutting or leaf has developed roots of at least one inch in length.
  2. Allow the roots to dry for a day or two before potting them.
  3. Exercise caution throughout the process to avoid damaging the fragile roots.
leaf propagation succulent roots

By following these steps, you can successfully propagate succulents in water. Remember, experimentation, patience, and careful handling are essential for achieving positive outcomes in succulent propagation.

Step-by-Step Guide: Propagating Succulents in Soil

Propagating succulents in soil requires careful attention to watering and provides stronger, healthier plants once they take root. Follow these steps to successfully propagate succulents in soil:

Cuttings

  1. Prepare a cutting as discussed previously, ensuring it has a healthy stem tip.
  2. Find suitable soil for the new plant, different from what it will use as a mature plant.
  3. Plant the cutting tip carefully in the soil, avoiding overwatering.
  4. Spritz the soil with water once it dries, maintaining caution not to water too much.
propagating succulent cuttings in the soil

Leaves

  1. In most cases, leaves will naturally propagate when left outside near the mother plant during the summer months.
  2. Allow the leaves to sit for a few days until a callus forms at the tip.
  3. Select a pot or container and fill it with soil, making sure not to bury the leaf tips.
  4. Lay the leaves on top of the soil, allowing the roots to find their way into the soil independently.
  5. Spray the soil when the top layer dries, keeping the container in a bright location, away from direct sunlight.
  6. Expect initial root growth within 2-3 weeks.
fill soil in propagation container
lay succulent leaves on soil

Potting

  1. As the propagated succulents are accustomed to the soil, they can be gently transplanted into new pots with appropriate soil.
  2. Look for coarse soil that drains well, preferably succulent soil, for these new plants.
  3. Assess the condition of the starter leaf; if it still exists, use your judgment to decide if it should be removed before repotting.
  4. Once transplanted, determine the watering schedule based on climate and plant type, aiming to follow the same approach as the mother plant.
potting propagated succulents

By following these steps, you can successfully propagate succulents in soil. Remember to provide adequate water and care during the initial stages, transitioning to a suitable watering schedule as the plants establish themselves.

4 Tips On Propagating Succulents

If you’re excited about propagating succulents and adding more plants to your collection, here are some important tips to consider for a successful propagation journey:

1. Give Leaves and Cuttings Time to Heal

When you take a leaf or cutting from a succulent, it’s crucial to let it rest before moving on to the next step. Think of it as allowing the “wound” to form a protective scab. Give the leaf or cutting 2-6 days to create this scab before placing it in water or soil. This healing process significantly increases the chances of successful root growth and overall plant health. Don’t worry if the leaf or cutting starts to fade or shrink during this time; it will recover once placed in its new environment.

allowing leaves to callus
Allowing the leaves and cuttings to callus over before propagating is crucial to prevent rot.

2. Consider Your Climate

Understanding your local climate is just as important as knowing how to start roots. Different succulent species have varying humidity requirements. Research your specific climate to determine if it provides the optimal conditions for succulent growth. Generally, succulents thrive in warm and humid climates. Summer months often offer favorable conditions for successful propagation in many areas.

    3. Choose the Right Succulent Species

    Not all succulents are equally suited for propagation. Some species are more resilient and easier to propagate at home, while others may require more specific care and environmental conditions. Well-known succulent varieties like echeveria, graptoveria, and sedums are relatively easy to propagate. However, you can attempt propagation with most commonly sold succulents, but it may not always succeed. Choose a succulent species that you enjoy and take the time to research its specific needs for successful propagation.

    4. Provide Adequate Light and Space

    When propagating succulents, make sure you have enough space and access to light for their development. Although delicate leaves don’t require direct sunlight, they do need sufficient light to thrive. Find a windowsill or flat surface near sunlight, such as a table or shelf, where they can receive the light they need without interruption. Keep in mind that propagation can take between 2-6 weeks for roots to appear, so ensure you provide the appropriate space for them to grow and establish their roots.

    Taking Cuttings from Succulents

    taking succulent cuttings

    Sometimes, a succulent plant grows too tall or too big for its pot. In that case, you can take a cutting to make a new plant. Here’s how you can do it easily.

    1. Find clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears.
    2. Cut the stem just above a leaf or offshoot at the top of the plant.
    3. Make sure the stem still has several leaves on it.
    4. Let the cutting rest for a couple of days until the end of the stem becomes dry.

    Taking the cuttings usually takes less time to grow because the stem and leaves are already established. It usually takes a couple of months for a cutting to develop roots and become a new plant. However, keep in mind that the time can vary depending on the type of succulent and how well the propagation process goes.

    Taking Leaves from Succulents

    taking succulent leaves

    Sometimes, succulent leaves fall off naturally when you move or care for the plants. You can use these fallen leaves to grow new plants. Here’s how you can do it easily.

    1. Choose a healthy leaf from the bottom of the succulent.
    2. Gently twist the leaf to detach it completely from the stem.
    3. Let the leaf rest for a few days until a callus, a dry protective layer, forms where it was attached to the stem.

    When you propagate from a leaf, you’re actually making an entirely new plant, which is pretty cool! This method gives you a higher chance of success. It may take a few months for the new plant to fully form, depending on the type of succulent. So, be patient and enjoy watching your new plant grow!

    Where to Get Succulents

    You can find succulents for sale in different places, making it easy to choose the ones you like. Here are some options:

    Option 1: Large Stores

    Big stores like Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Walmart have a wide selection of succulents for sale. You can actually visit these stores and see the plants in person. It’s like going on a shopping adventure for your new succulents! Plus, you can do some research beforehand by checking out their selection online.

    Option 2: Online Shopping

    If you prefer to explore your options and learn more about different succulents before making a decision, you can buy them online. There are websites where you can browse through various succulent plants, read descriptions, and check reviews from other customers. It’s like window shopping, but from the comfort of your own home!

    Option 3: Local Nurseries

    Supporting local businesses is a great idea, and local nurseries are no exception. These smaller, neighborhood plant stores often have their own unique selection of succulents. The best part is that the people working there are usually knowledgeable about the plants because they probably grew them themselves. You can get some expert advice and suggestions from them!

    Bonus Tip: Leaf Collection

    Sometimes, you might notice fallen leaves from succulents in the stores. If you’re interested in using these leaves to propagate your own plants, it’s a good idea to ask an employee for permission. However, I recommend sticking to big-name stores for this because they have a system in place to handle fallen leaves. In local places, it’s better to avoid taking leaves since they may not have a proper system to deal with them.

    So, have fun exploring different options and choose the best place to get your new succulents!

    Other Interesting Ways To Propagate Succulents

    Final Thoughts

    Growing your own succulents requires patience, above all else. Sometimes, not every leaf or cutting will make it, but others will thrive and grow fast. So, take your time and enjoy the journey of discovering which succulents work best for you.

    Before you realize it, you might have your very own collection of succulents, like a little farm! And the best part is, you can share the joy by giving baby succulents as gifts to your loved ones or anyone who wants to start their own succulent collection.