Propagation through cuttings is a simple and effective method to multiply your succulent collection. Succulents are uniquely suited for this process because their water-storing capabilities allow them to survive the necessary drying and rooting phases without immediate access to moisture. This technique works for a vast number of species, providing a straightforward way to refresh leggy plants or share your favorites.
Preparing the Mother Plant and Tools
The success of propagation begins with selecting a healthy, mature donor plant that is actively growing, typically during the spring or summer months. Before making any cuts, water the mother plant a few days prior to ensure the leaves and stems are plump and fully hydrated. This provides the cuttings with maximum stored energy and moisture for the rooting process.
Gathering the right tools ensures a clean separation and minimizes damage to both the mother plant and the cutting. You will need a sharp, sterile cutting instrument, such as a craft knife, razor blade, or pruning shears. Sterilizing the blade with rubbing alcohol before use is important to prevent the transfer of bacteria or fungal pathogens to the open wound.
Proper Technique for Removing Cuttings
When taking a stem cutting, make a clean, straight cut across the stem, ensuring the piece has at least an inch or two of bare stem for planting. After the cut, carefully remove the lowest leaves to expose this portion of the stem, as new roots will develop from the points where the leaves were attached. A length of two to three inches with several leaves remaining at the top is ideal.
Leaf cuttings require a different approach, as the entire leaf must be removed intact, including the meristematic tissue at the base. This tissue is the growth point where new roots and the “pup,” or baby plant, will form. Gently twist or pull the leaf away from the stem with a slight rocking motion, ensuring no torn tissue remains on the main stem. A perfect leaf removal is necessary; if a piece of the base remains on the mother plant, the leaf will not be able to develop a new plantlet.
Essential Curing Time Before Planting
After the cutting or leaf is removed, allow the open wound to dry and heal before introducing it to any rooting medium. This drying process, known as callousing, causes a protective layer of scar tissue to form over the cut end, functioning like a scab. Callousing prevents water loss and blocks fungal pathogens and bacteria from entering the plant tissue, which would lead to rot.
Place the cuttings in a dry area away from direct sunlight, such as on a paper towel or a tray, for a period ranging from a few days to two weeks. The exact time frame depends on the thickness of the cutting and the humidity of the environment; thicker stems require longer curing times. The cutting is ready once the cut surface appears dry, shriveled, and tough, forming a visible seal.
Planting and Encouraging New Roots
Once the calloused layer has formed, the cutting is ready to be placed into a suitable rooting medium. The ideal substrate is a well-draining succulent or cactus mix, often a blend of potting soil with grit, perlite, or pumice. For stem cuttings, insert the bare, calloused end about an inch or two into the soil, gently firming the medium around the base to keep it upright.
Leaf cuttings should be laid flat on the surface of the soil, with the calloused end barely touching the medium or slightly propped up. During this initial rooting phase, place the cuttings in a location that receives bright, indirect light, as direct sun can cause them to dry out too quickly. Do not water immediately after planting; wait until the cutting has developed roots, which typically takes between two and four weeks.
After roots begin to emerge, signaled by a slight resistance when gently tugging on the stem cutting, you can begin to water sparingly. Allow the soil to dry out completely between light waterings, as the new, fragile roots are susceptible to rot if kept consistently moist. Continued care with bright light and infrequent watering will encourage the cutting to establish itself as a new, independent plant.