Crassula undulata, commonly known as Ripple Jade, is a unique succulent with wavy, undulating leaves. Propagating it offers a rewarding way to expand your plant collection or share with others. This process is straightforward, allowing even novice gardeners to achieve success.
Preparing for Propagation
Successful propagation requires proper preparation of tools and environment. You will need sharp, clean scissors or a knife for precise cuts. An appropriate well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix is also important, along with small containers that have drainage holes.
The optimal time for propagating Ripple Jade is during its active growing season. Before taking cuttings, ensure the parent plant is healthy and robust. It is advisable to avoid watering the parent plant for several days prior to propagation, as drier conditions can promote better callusing.
Propagating from Stem Cuttings
Begin by selecting a healthy stem from the parent plant that is at least 3 to 4 inches long and has several sets of leaves. Using your clean, sharp tool, make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, exposing 1 to 2 inches of bare stem.
After taking the cutting, allow the cut end to “callus over” before planting. Place the cuttings in a dry, airy location away from direct sunlight for about three to seven days. This drying period forms a protective seal over the wound, preventing rot when the cutting is introduced to moisture. Once callused, the cutting is ready for planting.
Insert the callused stem cutting about 1 to 2 inches deep into the prepared well-draining potting mix. You can plant multiple cuttings in the same container. Avoid watering immediately after planting; instead, wait approximately one week before providing the first light watering. This reduces the risk of rot and encourages the cutting to develop roots.
Propagating from Leaves
Carefully remove a healthy, plump leaf from the parent plant by gently twisting it off at the stem. Ensure the entire leaf, including the base where it connects to the stem, remains intact. This is where new growth will emerge.
The removed leaf needs to form a callus before it is placed on the soil. Lay the leaves in a dry, shaded area for three to seven days until the cut end has dried and hardened. This callusing process is essential for preventing the leaf from rotting once it comes into contact with moisture.
Once callused, lay the leaves flat on the surface of the well-draining succulent potting mix. Do not bury them; simply place them on the soil surface. You can lightly mist the soil every few days, but avoid making the soil consistently wet. Over several weeks, roots and a plantlet should begin to emerge from the callused end of the leaf.
Caring for New Plants
Once Ripple Jade cuttings or leaves develop roots and new growth, proper care ensures their continued development. Young Ripple Jade plants thrive in bright, indirect light, which promotes healthy growth.
Watering should be infrequent but thorough, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common pitfall for succulents and can quickly lead to root rot. Good air circulation around the new plants also helps prevent fungal issues. As plants mature, they can be gradually introduced to more direct sunlight.
Repot new plants into slightly larger containers with fresh succulent mix once their roots fill their initial pots. Fertilizing is generally not necessary for young succulents; if done, use a diluted succulent fertilizer during the active growing season.
Troubleshooting Propagation Issues
Rotting cuttings or leaves often indicate too much moisture or insufficient callusing. Ensure cut ends are dry and callused before planting, and allow soil to dry thoroughly between waterings.
Slow growth or lack of rooting can be attributed to insufficient light or cool temperatures. Ripple Jade requires warmth and adequate brightness to stimulate root and plantlet development.