Many people like succulents. They need little care, are low-maintenance plants, and propagate quite well. They beautify the place and are not demanding at all. If you're interested in increasing your collection, multiplying succulents is a simple task. All you have to do is cut the leaves or stems for the new plants to sprout. This guide will show you how to propagate succulents in a simple manner.
Propagation is a biological process of plant reproduction. In succulents, to develop a new plant all you have to do is remove a fresh and healthy leaf or stem from the plant and provide them with ideal conditions for growth. Succulents are particularly appropriate for this process because of their leaves and stems.
The ideal time for succulent propagation is during their active season i.e., spring and summer. Though succulents can be propagated throughout the year. During these months, they obtain abundant light, which is precisely what the new roots and leaves require to grow. Sometimes, when conditions are favourable, it will work during the other seasons too. But, the progress during that time will be slower. While this process is happening you need to take care of your succulents.
Before starting, gather the following tools and materials:
Most succulents can grow new plants from their leaves. Their trendy leaves also help us fight winter blues. Here's how to do it
Identify a fleshy, plump leaf on your mother plant. Gently twist and pull it from the stem so that it breaks off completely. This is a whole leaf. Whole leaves are better at propagating successfully.
Leave the cut end of the leaf to dry, then develop a callus for the next 2-5 days. At this stage, this allows avoiding rot when placed in the soil.
Rooting hormone is optional; however, applying or dipping the callused leaf's end into it stimulates roots more rapidly.
Place the leaf on top of moistened slightly dampened succulent soil in a shallow container or tray. Avoid burying the leaf, as that will impede growth. Place the container in bright indirect sunlight.
Within 2–3 weeks, small roots and tiny plantlets will start to appear at the base of the leaf. Mist the soil occasionally but not too wet, overwatering.
After the roots have developed and the original leaf starts to dry out, gently transplant the new plantlet into a shallow pot with well-draining soil.
Use stem propagation for succulents that have longer stems or branches, like the jade or sedum type. The process of succulent propagation is different from trailing plant propagation.
With sanitary scissors or shears, select a healthy stem that possesses some plump leaves and cut it. Make sure this stem is at least a couple of inches long for holding.
Just like leaves, stems require some time to heal. Let the cut end callus for 2–5 days to avoid rot.
Remove the lower 2 inches of leaves to expose the stem and encourage root growth.
Insert the callused end of the stem into the soil so it stands upright. The soil should be lightly damp but not wet. Place the pot in indirect sunlight.
Only occasionally mist the soil; it should be barely moist. In a few weeks, roots will begin to develop at the end of the stem where it was cut.
When the roots are well-developed, transfer the cutting into a permanent pot with soil that is specifically designed for succulents. Note: Make sure that you are following the best repotting practices.
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