The String of Fishhooks, scientifically known as Senecio radicans, is a popular trailing succulent known for its distinctive, fishhook-shaped leaves that cascade from hanging baskets. This plant offers a charming aesthetic to indoor spaces due to its unique foliage and easy-care nature. Propagation allows enthusiasts to easily expand their collection.
Why and When to Propagate
Propagating String of Fishhooks offers several advantages, including generating additional plants or rejuvenating older, leggy plants for fuller growth. Propagate during the plant’s active growing season, generally spring or early summer. During these months, the plant dedicates more energy to new development, increasing the likelihood of successful rooting.
Preparing for Propagation
Gathering the appropriate tools and preparing the plant is an important first step. You will need sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears to make precise cuts, which helps prevent damage to the parent plant and the cuttings. For water propagation, clear glass containers are suitable, while for soil propagation, pots with drainage holes and a well-draining succulent or cactus mix are necessary. Select healthy, robust stems at least 4-6 inches long from the parent plant. Remove the “fishhook” shaped leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of each cutting to expose the nodes, as these are the points where roots will emerge. After cutting, allow the severed ends to callus in a dry, shaded area for one to two days to prevent rot when they are introduced to water or soil.
Propagation Methods
Water Propagation
After the cuttings have callused, place them into a clear glass container filled with clean, room-temperature water, ensuring that the leafless nodes are fully submerged. Position the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight which can cause the water to overheat and potentially harm the cuttings. To maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth, change the water every few days. Small, white roots typically begin to emerge from the nodes within two to four weeks, indicating successful rooting. Once the roots are approximately one inch long, usually after four to six weeks, the new plants are ready for transplanting into a suitable potting mix.
Soil Propagation
For soil propagation, prepare small pots with a well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix, often amended with perlite, pumice, or coarse sand to enhance drainage. Gently insert the callused cuttings into the prepared soil, burying the leafless nodes about 1-2 inches deep. You can also lay longer cuttings horizontally on the soil surface, ensuring multiple nodes are in contact with the substrate, as roots can form anywhere along the stem. After planting, lightly water the soil, allowing any excess to drain completely. Place the pots in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. Rooting generally occurs within three to six weeks, which can be confirmed by a gentle tug on the cutting feeling resistance.
Caring for New Plants
Once the String of Fishhooks cuttings have successfully rooted, whether in water or soil, they require specific care to ensure continued healthy growth. Provide them with bright, indirect light to support their ongoing development, as this helps prevent leggy growth. When watering newly potted plants, thoroughly moisten the soil, then allow it to dry out completely between waterings to prevent root rot. If the plant was rooted in water, gradually acclimate it to less frequent watering as it adjusts to the soil medium, promoting stronger root development.
Troubleshooting Propagation Problems
If cuttings fail to root or begin to rot, it often indicates excessive moisture or insufficient callusing time before planting. Ensuring cuttings are adequately callused for one to two days and avoiding overwatering can mitigate these issues. A lack of root development might stem from insufficient light or temperatures that are too cool for the plant’s preferred range of 60-75°F. Wilting or shriveling can occur if cuttings are not receiving enough moisture, especially in soil, or if they are exposed to excessive direct sunlight before they have established a robust root system. Adjusting light exposure and watering frequency can help overcome these challenges.