Succulent propagation is an effective method for increasing your collection or saving a plant that has become too tall or “leggy.” This process involves taking a small piece, either a stem or a whole leaf, from a healthy parent plant and encouraging it to grow new roots and develop into a clone. By understanding the precise steps for cutting and replanting, you can successfully turn one succulent into many. This guide details the techniques necessary to prepare, cut, callous, and replant your succulent cuttings for optimal growth.
Preparing for Propagation
The process begins by selecting a robust, healthy specimen, often referred to as the mother plant, which will provide the material for your new plants. Propagation is most successful during the succulent’s active growing season, typically in the spring or summer months. Before making any cuts, ensure that all tools are clean to prevent the transmission of pathogens. Sterilize a sharp knife or pair of shears with isopropyl alcohol.
The specific part you choose to cut depends on the succulent’s structure and your goal. For a plant that has stretched toward the light, known as etiolation, select the healthy stem tip for a “beheading” cut. If propagating a rosette-type succulent like an Echeveria, you can also use individual, plump leaves from the main stem.
Making the Clean Separation
When taking a stem cutting, use your sterilized, sharp tool to make a single, clean cut across the stem. This cutting should typically be between two and six inches long, ensuring there is a short, exposed stem section that can be planted. You may need to gently remove some of the lower leaves to create this planting area, as new roots often emerge from the nodes where the leaves were attached.
For leaf propagation, which works best for fleshy-leaved varieties, the goal is to remove the entire leaf with a complete, clean break at the stem. Grasp the leaf gently and twist it slightly until it cleanly detaches from the main stalk. Leaving any part of the leaf’s base on the mother plant will prevent the cutting from generating the meristem tissue necessary for root and new plant development.
The Necessary Step of Callousing
Once the cut has been made, the open wound on the cutting must be allowed to heal, a process called callousing. This step is necessary because succulents store water, and an open wound would absorb too much moisture from the soil, leading to rot and fungal infection. The calloused layer acts as a natural protective barrier, sealing the plant’s tissue.
Place the cuttings in a dry, well-ventilated area that receives bright, indirect light. Callousing typically takes three to seven days, depending on the cutting’s size and the humidity of the environment. The cut end is ready for planting when it looks dry, firm, and has formed a seal.
Replanting and Encouraging Root Growth
The calloused cutting is now ready to stimulate root development. Plant the calloused stem cutting just deep enough into the soil to anchor it securely in an appropriate medium. A coarse, fast-draining mix, such as cactus and succulent soil, is ideal for preventing water retention and root rot. Leaf cuttings should be laid flat on the soil surface, ensuring the calloused end makes contact with the potting mix.
Place the newly planted cutting in a location that provides bright, indirect light, avoiding intense, direct afternoon sun. Resist watering the cutting immediately after planting, as this could compromise the newly formed callous. Wait until the first fine roots begin to emerge, which can take several weeks, or until the soil has been completely dry for a week or two. Once roots are established, water the soil thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain completely, and then permit the soil to dry out fully before the next watering.