How to propagate succulent plants from cuttings

Start during the early planting season. While you can attempt to propagate succulents at any time of the year, the chances of success are highest when you begin near the end of the plant's dormancy period or at the start of the planting season. Typically, this time is early spring, but some succulents begin growing in the fall or winter.

• If you already have cuttings, move on to the next step of planting the cuttings. Even if you don't follow the steps outlined below for cutting, most succulents will still have a high success rate in propagation.

Sterilize a sharp knife. Choose a razor blade or sharp knife that can cut cleanly in one motion. Minimize the risk of infection by heating the blade over a flame or wiping it with alcohol.

• Avoid using your hands to snap off or scissors to cut the plant, as it may crush the stem or leave jagged cuts that won’t heal properly. If you must use your hands to break off a leaf, make sure it detaches smoothly from the plant, with gentle pressure and no force.

Decide whether to cut individual leaves or a larger section. Most succulents can sprout new plants from a single leaf or a piece of stem. However, some species, such as Dudleya or Aeonium, require a section of stem. You may follow the steps below for additional guidance.

• If you're unsure of the plant’s type, try both methods. The mother plant will typically remain unharmed by either approach, making it a low-cost experiment.
• For some non-specific species, especially aloe vera, it's best to propagate by removing the newly sprouted pups.

Select leaves to cut. If your plant has 'rosette' or round leaves growing closely together at the top, leave the top intact and cut the leaves below it, making sure not to cut directly at the base. For succulents that grow outward rather than upwards, trim the leaves along the outer edges. Cut the leaves where they connect to the stem with one clean stroke of the knife.

• Unless you're cutting an entire stem, move on to the next step for planting the cuttings.
• See the Tips section below if your succulent has large leaves.

Select a stem to cut. While most succulents are easy to propagate, selecting the right cutting technique can improve your chances of growing a healthy plant. Ideally, choose a healthy growing stem near the top or outer edge, about 10-15 cm in length. Cut just below where the stem connects to the plant body or just beneath the point where the leaves and buds join the main stem. Select a stem section that has at least two leaves (or a leaf cluster), if possible.

Remove the leaves from the lower part of the stem. If using a stem cutting, remove the leaf clusters from the bottom 5-10 cm of the stem. Use a sterilized knife to cut off these leaves, making sure not to disturb the leaves above.

• If the cutting includes buds, leave them as they are.

Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone (optional). Rooting powders available in the market can speed up the development of the stem, often containing antifungal agents and root protectants to prevent rotting. This method is recommended for stems that are starting to decay or older, woody stems, but it is not always necessary.

• Some gardeners have had success using cinnamon powder on the cut ends as a more affordable antifungal solution.

Place the stem in a shaded area to dry. Lay the cutting on a paper towel, keeping it out of direct sunlight, and check the cut end frequently. The cut should dry out to prevent the new plant from rotting. The cutting can be planted in one or two days after drying, and you will notice changes, such as the formation of a callus on the cut end. This process takes about two to seven days.

• If the leaves shrivel considerably during this time, you may need to plant it sooner. Success rates may be lower, but the leaves may die if they dry out completely.

Prepare the soil mix for the succulent cuttings. While waiting for the cuts to dry, prepare a well-draining cactus or succulent mix and fill a small pot. If you prefer to mix your own soil, combine 3 parts potting soil, 2 parts sand, and 1 part perlite.

• If possible, use coarse sand that is salt-free, as sand collected from other sources may contain harmful microorganisms or salts that can harm the plant.

Choose a pot with the right size for planting the cuttings. Succulents grow best in pots that are not too large compared to the plant. Pots with 2.5-5 cm of space around the cutting are ideal when starting to plant.

• The pot must have drainage holes.

Plant the stem cutting. Plant the stem cutting as usual, inserting it into the soil so that the bottom leaves are just above the surface, without touching the ground. Leaves that are buried under the soil are more likely to rot, so if using leaves for propagation, make sure only the cut end of the leaf touches the soil and support the leaf with small pebbles.

Water occasionally. In general, succulents do not require frequent watering. However, you will need to water the newly planted stems every 2-3 days while they are rooting. Once the root system is established, you can reduce watering to once a week or when the soil feels dry.

• Don’t worry if the stems look like they’re drying out initially. This means the plant is using its stored energy to grow new roots.
• If all goes well, you’ll begin to see new growth within about 4 weeks.

Place the plant in a warm and well-ventilated area. Unlike mature plants, young succulents may not have enough stored water to withstand direct sunlight. They grow best under indirect light, with a temperature around 20ºC, in a location with good air circulation.

Keep the soil slightly moist. Seedlings need regular watering to survive and establish their root systems. However, since succulents are adapted to dry conditions, they are prone to rot in overly wet environments. You can use a spray bottle or a small watering can to moisten the surface of the soil every 2-3 days when the soil has dried out. It is also important to mist the leaves, as they haven’t yet rooted.

• If tap water contains high levels of chlorine or if the cuttings show signs of rot, try using distilled water.

Reduce watering once the plant is established. Stem-propagated plants can establish a full root system within about four weeks. At this point, you can decrease watering to about once a month. Leaf-propagated plants take longer to grow, but you will begin to see small leaves and roots emerging from the cut ends of the leaves. Gradually reduce watering as the roots start to extend into the soil, which typically takes about 6 weeks or more.

Be cautious with fertilizers. Succulents are slow-growing plants that do not thrive in overly fertile soil. Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) only during the growing season and only once the seedlings are about four weeks old and have rooted. Consider using half or a quarter of the recommended dose to avoid the plant growing too tall and spindly with small leaves, or to prevent burning the roots.