1. Propagating Succulents from Leaf Cuttings
Many types of succulents will grow tiny versions of the parent plant from its fallen or cut leaves. Try this method with varieties of Echeveria, Crassula, and Kalanchoe. Simply start by cutting off a few leaves from a grown plant. From there, place the leaves in a pot filled with damp perlite ($11). Roots and tiny new leaves will grow within a few weeks. Then, you can move these sprouted leaf cuttings out of the perlite and into their own pots filled with a cactus potting mix ($18). Water them lightly until they feel well anchored in their new pots when you give the leaves a gentle upward tug. Continue to give your propagated succulents the same care you’d give its parent.
2. Propagating Succulents from Stem Cuttings
When you need to rejuvenate a lanky, overgrown succulent whose stems have become long and bare, such as a Sempervivum, Graptopetalum, or Sedum, trim it back a little to encourage new growth to appear where you’ve made the cuts. Then, instead of tossing the cut stems, you can turn them into new succulents. Make sure you have a piece of stem that has at least two nodes (the points at which new growth will appear, usually marked by a leaf scar and sometimes tiny buds). Before planting, set the cuttings aside for five to seven days so the cut ends can form a dry callous. Then stick the stem cuttings into a pot of cactus soil mix, and water just enough to keep the soil damp. New roots will begin growing from the nodes on the stem.
3. Dividing Succulents
Another way to propagate succulents is by dividing your plant into several smaller plants. Many succulents, such as Aloe and Haworthia, will grow offsets called pups or daughter plants, which are smaller versions of the main plant. It’s easy to separate these and move them into their own pots so they can continue growing without everything getting overcrowded. First, remove the whole plant from its container. Then, gently pull away the pups, making sure to keep some of the roots attached to them. Place each pup in its own container filled with cactus potting mix, making sure to set it in the same soil level as it was in the original container. Water enough to settle the soil around the pup.
