What is Propagation?
Propagation occurs when a gardener uses a leaf, cutting, seed, or offset of a parent plant to produce a new plant. Farmers, landscapers, and florists do this professionally, but you can also try this at home! Succulents are a great candidate for propagation because they easily produce the fresh roots needed to successfully grow a new plant and are highly adaptable to a variety of growing conditions.
There are many benefits to propagating succulents at home. Many take up propagation as a hobby; it involves trial and error and can be very rewarding when you nurture a new plant from roots to blooms. Propagation is a good opportunity to learn about the science of plants and you could also share this activity with kids or a friend. Finally, propagating succulents can be more cost effective than purchasing a new plant. With just a few simple materials, you can expand your own plant collection or create homegrown gifts to give to friends and relatives.
3 Ways to Propagate Succulents
You may want to experiment with different techniques to find out which method works best for you, your succulent varieties, and your growing conditions. The three most common ways to propagate succulents are:
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Dry Propagation
Dry propagation is meant to be easy and is often recommended for beginners. In fact, some call it the “do nothing method.” Start with a plump and healthy leaf that has naturally fallen from your succulent plant, or gently twist one of your plant’s lowest leaves to remove it. Place the leaf on a paper towel or other flat surface in indirect sunlight so its end can dry out. Wait until roots begin to emerge (about 2 weeks) and then lightly mist the roots every few days. Baby succulent plants should grow in about 8 weeks, and plants that are .5” high can be gently potted in soil, with as little as possible disturbance to the new roots.
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Water Propagation
Begin your water propagation with a healthy leaf from your succulent. Allow the dry leaf to callus over for a few days before placing only the end in a vessel of water. Watch and wait as roots and baby succulent leaves grow! When the plant reaches .5” remove it from the water and plant it in appropriate soil.
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Soil Propagation
Soil Propagation follows much of the same path as dry propagation, except you begin the process by laying your fresh fallen leaf on top of soil, rather than a non-nutritious surface. The idea is that the succulent leaf will dry out and when new roots emerge, they will naturally grow towards the soil on which they are sitting. With this method you can skip the step of replanting the new succulent in a different container.
Top Tips for Succulent Success
- Propagating several leaves at once will increase your chances at success since some of them may not grow.
- Experiment with several methods of propagation to find out which works best for you. You can also propagate succulents using mature stems or by dividing parent plants, in addition to the leaf starters discussed here.
- According to some experienced propagators, larger parent leaves are usually more successful than smaller leaves at growing new roots.
- When it's finally time to plant your new baby succulent, be sure to use soil specifically designed for your variety of plant to give it the best possible start.
- Do not overwater your succulent plants. Most succulents originally hail from the desert where water is scarce. Too much water can cause your succulents to become mushy and rotted rather than plump and solid.
- Keep trying and you will eventually have many succulent plants to decorate your home or give to someone you care about!
This article was published by Chad Kremp
