Succulents are special plants that thrive in conditions that other houseplants can’t handle, like poor soil, drought, and dry air. Their ability to adapt makes them popular among indoor gardeners everywhere. Besides their toughness, succulents are also admired for their variety—they come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors. For example, Echeveria plants have rosette shapes, while Sedum plants have trailing vines. The diversity within succulents is truly amazing.
One of the coolest things about succulents is how easy they are to propagate, or grow new plants from existing ones. Although they grow slowly, you can propagate succulents with little effort. There are different ways to propagate them, and each type of succulent has a method that works best. Even though it’s relatively simple, it’s important to know the basic tips and specific needs of each plant to be successful. Enjoy savings on your favorite succulent plants and accessories with exclusive Succulents Box coupon code available online.
SUCCULENT PROPAGATION METHODS
There are several ways to propagate succulents, each with its own steps and needs.
Leaf-cutting:
- This is a common method for many succulents.
- Take a healthy, undamaged leaf from the parent plant.
- Let the leaf dry out for a few days in a dry, airy place to prevent rot.
- Once it’s dried, place the leaf on well-draining soil and press it down lightly.
- After some time, small roots will grow from the base of the leaf, leading to new growth.
Stem cutting:
- This method works well for succulents with longer stems.
- Cut a healthy segment of the stem from the parent plant.
- Let the cut end dry out for a few days in a shaded area to avoid rot.
- Once dried, plant the cutting in well-draining soil, burying the cut end slightly.
- Stem cuttings usually root quickly and grow into new plants fairly fast.
Offsets (or “pups”):
- These are small versions of the parent plant that grow around its base.
- Gently separate the offsets from the parent plant using a clean knife or scissors.
- Make sure each offset has its own roots.
- Replant the offsets in their own pots with well-draining soil and give them minimal water until they are established.
Seed propagation:
- This method is less common but can be rewarding, especially for rare succulents.
- Spread the seeds on the surface of well-draining soil in a shallow container.
- Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and ensure good airflow to prevent mold.
- With patience, the seeds will germinate and grow into new succulent plants.
- While this method takes more time and effort, it allows you to grow a variety of succulent types.
SUCCULENT PROPAGATION MEDIUMS
There are various mediums you can use to propagate succulents, and the choice depends on the specific needs and characteristics of the succulent species you’re working with. Unlock great deals on premium succulents by using the latest Succulents Box discount code available on their website or through promotional emails. Different succulents may prefer different propagation methods based on their water needs, root development, and environmental conditions.
1. Soil (or Soilless Mediums like Peat Moss, Perlite, and Vermiculite)
Many succulents thrive when propagated in well-draining soil or soilless mediums. These mediums provide stability for root development while allowing excess moisture to drain away efficiently. Here’s how to use soil and soilless mediums:
- Ingredients: Succulent-specific potting mixes or cactus mixes usually contain sand, perlite, and peat moss.
- Method:
- Fill a pot or container with the potting mix.
- Place the succulent cuttings or leaves on top of the soil, pressing them down lightly.
- Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
- This method is suitable for a wide range of succulent species, especially those with moderate water requirements.
2. Water
Some succulents, particularly those with thicker leaves and stems, can be successfully propagated in water. This method involves placing the cuttings or leaves in water until roots develop. Here’s how to do it:
- Method:
- Select a container and fill it with water.
- Place the succulent cuttings or leaves in the water, ensuring the cut end is submerged but the rest of the plant is not.
- Change the water regularly to keep it fresh and prevent mold.
- Once roots have developed, transfer the succulent to a well-draining soil mix.
- Suitability: This method works well for certain species that root easily in water. It’s also a good way to observe root growth. However, not all succulents thrive in water, so it’s important to research the specific needs of the plant you’re propagating.
3. Air (or Dry Propagation)
Dry propagation is a method where the leaf cuttings are left out in the air to develop roots without any soil or water. Here’s how to do it:
- Method:
- Place the leaf cuttings on a tray, such as an egg carton, cup, or any clean tray.
- Keep the tray away from direct sunlight to prevent sunburn.
- Do not water the leaves until their roots are fully matured, which typically takes 1 to 2 months.
- During this period, monitor the leaves’ roots weekly. Healthy roots are usually white or pink.
- Monitoring: If you notice darker roots or shriveling, it indicates too much sunlight. Move them to a less sunny spot for healthier growth.
- Suitability: This method is effective for succulents that can tolerate drier conditions while they develop roots. Use a Succulents Box promo code at checkout to get discounts on monthly succulent subscriptions and individual plant purchases.
SUCCULENT PROPAGATION VS HOUSEPLANT PROPAGATION
Propagating succulents and houseplants shares many basic principles, though there are key differences between the two. Here’s a detailed comparison of their similarities and differences:
Similarities
- Propagation Methods:
- Both succulents and houseplants can be propagated using stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, division, and seeds.
- For both types of plants, it’s crucial to start with healthy, disease-free parent plants to ensure successful propagation.
- Callousing:
- Allowing cuttings to callous (dry out) before planting is important to prevent rot.
- This involves letting the cut ends dry out for a few days before planting them in soil or another medium.
- Soil Requirements:
- Both succulents and houseplants benefit from well-draining soil to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.
- For succulents, a mix with sand, perlite, and peat moss is common, while houseplants often use potting mixes that retain some moisture but still drain well.
- Watering:
- Careful watering is essential during propagation. Both types of plants generally need less water until new roots are established.
- Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to monitor soil moisture and adjust watering accordingly.
- Light:
- Providing adequate light is crucial for successful rooting and growth.
- Bright but indirect light is usually best for both succulents and houseplants during propagation.
Differences
- Humidity and Watering:
- Succulents: Require lower humidity and minimal watering. They are prone to rot if overwatered and typically need less frequent watering.
- Houseplants: Often need higher humidity and more frequent watering, depending on the species. They are generally less tolerant of dry conditions compared to succulents.
- Growth Rate:
- Succulents: Generally slow growers. It can take longer to see visible results from propagation.
- Houseplants: Many grow more quickly, allowing for faster propagation outcomes.
- Propagation Methods:
- Leaf Cuttings: Common for succulents but very rare for houseplants.
- Offsets (Pups): Many succulents produce offsets (small versions of the parent plant) that can be separated and replanted. This is less common in houseplants, though some, like Spider Plants and Bromeliads, do produce offsets.
- Water Propagation: Less common for succulents, as they are more prone to rot in water. In contrast, many houseplants, like Pothos and Philodendrons, root easily in water.
- Environmental Conditions:
- Succulents: Thrive in dry, arid conditions and can tolerate neglect. They are well-suited to environments with lower humidity and infrequent watering.
- Houseplants: Often require more controlled environments with specific humidity and temperature needs. They generally prefer more consistent care and attention. Keep an eye out for Succulents Box coupon code to enjoy fantastic savings on everything from rare succulents to gardening tools and supplies.
5 EASIEST SUCCULENTS TO PROPAGATE
Here are five types of succulents and simple steps on how to propagate them:
1. Echeveria ‘Lola’
Echeveria ‘Lola’ is a hybrid succulent known for its beautiful rosettes of blue-green leaves with a touch of pink.
- Propagation: Leaf Cuttings
- Steps:
- Pluck a healthy leaf from the plant.
- Let the leaf dry out and form a callous over a few days to prevent rot.
- Place the calloused leaf on well-draining soil.
- Wait for roots and new growth to appear.
- Steps:
2. Crassula ovata (Jade Plant)
Jade Plant is a popular succulent with thick, fleshy leaves.
- Propagation: Stem or Leaf Cuttings
- Steps:
- Stem Cuttings:
- Cut a healthy stem from the plant.
- Let the cut end dry out for a few days.
- Plant the dried stem in well-draining soil.
- Leaf Cuttings:
- Pluck a healthy leaf.
- Place the leaf directly on the soil.
- Wait for roots and new growth.
- Stem Cuttings:
- Steps:
3. Sedum rubrotinctum (Jelly Bean Plant)
The Jelly Bean Plant has chubby, bean-shaped leaves that turn red in sunlight.
- Propagation: Stem Cuttings
- Steps:
- Cut a healthy stem from the plant.
- Allow the cut end to dry out for a few days.
- Plant the dried stem in well-draining soil.
- Wait for roots and new growth.
- Steps:
4. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a medicinal succulent with fleshy, spiky leaves.
- Propagation: Offsets
- Steps:
- Look for small rosettes (offsets) growing around the base of the parent plant.
- Gently separate the offsets from the parent plant.
- Replant the offsets in their own pots with well-draining soil.
- Wait for roots to establish.
- Steps:
5. Haworthia attenuata (Zebra Plant)
The Zebra Plant has dark green rosettes with white stripes.
- Propagation: Offsets
- Steps:
- Look for small offsets growing around the base of the parent plant.
- Gently separate the offsets from the parent plant.
- Replant the offsets in well-draining soil.
- Wait for roots to establish.
- Steps:
Conclusion
Succulents are unique plants that do well in tough conditions like poor soil and drought. They come in many shapes and colors, making them popular with indoor gardeners. Propagating succulents is easy with methods like leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, offsets, and seeds. Each type of succulent has its preferred way to propagate. Use well-draining soil, water, or air for propagation, depending on the plant’s needs. While similar to houseplants, succulents need less water and grow slower. To save money on your succulent collection, use a Succulents Box coupon code or Succulents Box promo code for great deals.