Propagating succulents is a great way to share your favorites with friends, or expand your own collection. In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to multiply succulents from leaf or stem cuttings, step by step.
It’s simple to expand your succulent collection quickly once you learn how to successfully propagate them.
In fact, if you’ve never tried propagating plants before, then these are perfect for beginners to start with.
Though there are a few different methods you can use, rooting stem cuttings or the leaves is by far the most popular and fun way to do it.
Below I’ll tell you about the different methods you can use for propagating succulents, and the best time to do it.
Then I’ll show you step by step exactly how to take stem and leaf cuttings, and successfully root them.
Succulent Propagation Methods
There are basically three different ways you can propagate succulents: rooting leaf or stem cuttings, by division, or from seeds. The exact method you use depends on the type of plant you have.
Table of Contents
You can easily root cuttings or leaves of jade plants or a Christmas cactus, for example. But for some, like aloe vera, splitting them is much easier.
But I’m not going to cover each of these method in this article. Below I will give you the details about how to propagate succulents from stems or leaves, since that is the most popular technique.
When To Propagate Succulents
The best time to propagate succulents is during the spring and summer months. That’s because this is their most active growing period, so they will root much faster.
Plus all that heat and humidity creates the perfect conditions for root formation. But, if you provide the right environment for them, you can do it during the winter too.
Supplies For Propagating Succulents
Before we jump into the detailed steps for how to propagate succulents, you’ll need to get ready by collecting a few items first.
Don’t worry, you don’t need a bunch of expensive equipment, but you will need a few things.
Supplies Needed:
- Stem cuttings or leavesSoil medium (or make your own using a general mix, perlite, and coarse sand)Rooting hormoneA new potClean sharp precision pruners or bonsai shears
See my detailed list of the best plant propagation supplies here.
How To Propagate Succulents From Stem Cuttings
The fastest way to get a nice sized plant is to propagate succulents from stem cuttings. You can use any size branch or stem, even large ones.
So be sure to keep your clippings when you’re pruning them, or if any of the branches break off. Otherwise, below I’ll show you how to take new stem cuttings and prepare them for rooting.
How To Take Stem Cuttings From Succulents
You can take succulent cuttings from anywhere along the stem for propagation. But it will be easiest if they are at least 2-3 inches long.
Many times you can simply break off a section, and that will root just fine. But using a sharp and sterile pair of precision clippers or bonsai shears will ensure a healthy start.
Preparing Succulent Stem Cuttings For Propagation
After taking stem cuttings from your succulents, allow them to cure (dry out and callus over) for a few days before propagating them.
This will help prevent rotting, and give you a better chance of success. The thicker the stem, the longer you should allow it to cure before attempting to root it.
How To Propagate Succulents From Leaves
It’s very easy to propagate succulents from leaves. But keep in mind that it will take longer to get a mature plant when starting them from a leaf than it will from a stem.
This method is fun to experiment with, so I encourage you to give it a try! Here’s how to properly remove the leaves, and prepare them for rooting.
How To Properly Remove Succulent Leaves
In order to be successful with propagating succulents from leaves, it’s super important to remove each one correctly.
The entire leaf must be cleanly broken off the plant, or it will not root. To ensure a clean break, hold onto the tip of the leaf, and gently wiggle or twist it until it comes off.
If they break in half in the process, or any part of the leaf is left on the stem, it won’t root. Discard that one and try again.
Preparing Succulent Leaves For Propagation
You don’t need to worry about curing your succulent leaf cuttings, you can propagate them right away. It won’t hurt to allow them to cure for a day or two.
But they will start to shrivel pretty quickly after you remove them, especially if they’re small. So don’t wait too long, or they might not root.
Related Post: How To Plant Succulents Indoors Or Outside
How To Root Succulent Cuttings
The best way to root succulent cuttings or leaves is by planting them in soil. You could certainly try rooting the stems in water instead.
However, this can be risky, because they can quickly rot in water. Using a soil medium will give you the best success, and produce stronger, healthier roots. Follow these step by step instructions.
Step 1: Apply rooting hormone – Dust the cut end of the stems or leaves with rooting hormone. This will help them root faster, but you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to.
I find that rooting hormone not only helps to speed things up, and I also have more success with propagating succulents when I use it.
Step 2: Fill a container with medium – Fill a small pot with the rooting mixture. For best results, I recommend using a very fast draining medium.
Or you can make your own by amending a regular potting mix with extra coarse sand and perlite. General potting soil alone is too heavy for propagating succulents, and can cause the cuttings to rot.
Related Post: How To Make Your Own Succulent Soil (With Recipe!)
Step 3: Plant the cuttings – For longer stem cuttings, make a hole in the rooting mixture with a pencil or your finger, and gently place it into the hole so the rooting hormone won’t rub off.
Then lightly pack the medium around the base of the cutting so it stays in place, and to ensure it comes into good contact with the stem.
For individual leaves, you can simply lay them on top of the soil, or stick them into the very top layer. Don’t bury them very deep though, just the bottom 1/4 of the end, or so.
Step 4: Place them in a protected spot – Put the pot in a warm spot where they get bright, indirect light. Outdoors, make sure they are protected from full sun and heavy rain.
The key to successfully propagating succulents from cuttings is to keep the soil dry, but the air around them humid. For leaves, keep the medium slightly damp, or mist them daily using a plant sprayer.
If the medium is too wet, the cuttings will just rot. So do not water them until they have roots, or new leaves start forming on top.
Related Post: How To Water A Succulent Plant
How Long Does It Take To Propagate Succulents?
It only takes a few weeks to propagate succulents, but the exact timing depends on the environment. They will root faster if the air is humid than they will in totally dry conditions.
Once you start to see new leaves forming on the top of the stem cutting, that’s a good sign that it has successfully rooted.
If you laid individual leaves on top of the medium, then you will be able to watch them as they sprout from the cut end. A new baby plant will start forming at the base of the leaf shortly after.
Once the roots are about a 1/2″ long, you can bury them with a thin layer of soil if you want to, but don’t cover tiny new leaves.
Eventually the propagated leaf will shrivel up and die as the new baby succulent gets larger. So don’t freak out when that happens, it’s completely normal.
Related Post: How To Make An Indoor Succulent Garden
Succulent Cuttings Not Rooting
If your succulent cuttings are not propagating, then there are a few things to check. They won’t root if the soil is too wet, the air is extremely dry and hot, or it’s too cold.
For the best chance of success, put them in a bright, warm, and slightly humid location that’s out of direct sunlight, and keep the medium on the dry side.
Individual leaves won’t root if you broke them off the wrong way. The entire leaf must be intact in order for it to work.
Planting Propagated Succulent Cuttings
Once they have developed thick and healthy roots, you can repot your newly propagated succulent cuttings into a larger container if you want.
They have shallow roots though, and can live in small pots for a long time. So you really don’t need to do this until they have outgrown their starter container.
When the time comes, choose a new pot that’s only one or two sizes larger, and make sure it has drainage holes in the bottom.
Fill it with a quick draining mix, or a use gritty one, then bury roots so they are completely covered.
Learn all about taking care of your new babies in my detailed succulent plant care guide.
In this section, I’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about propagating succulents. If you can’t find yours here, then ask it in the comments section below.
What is the best way to propagate succulents?
The best way to propagate succulents is by rooting stem cuttings. You can also use individual leaves, but it will take much longer to get a decent sized plant.
Can you propagate succulents in water?
Yes, you can propagate succulents in water, and many people have great success with this method. If you want to try it, make sure to suspend the cutting above the water line rather than submerging it, otherwise it could rot.
Is it better to propagate succulents in water or soil?
It is better to propagate succulents in soil than it is in water. While rooting them in water can work, it’s a bit risky for newbies, as the stems could end up rotting instead. Plus the roots can be thinner, and have a harder time becoming established in soil later on.
What is the fastest way to root succulents?
The fastest way to root succulents is to place the cuttings in a warm and slightly humid location, and keep the soil on the dry side. You can mist them to increase the humidity if the air is extremely dry, and put them on a heat mat if it’s too cold.
What time of year is best for propagating succulents?
The best time of year for propagating succulents is when it’s warm outside. So do it in either the late spring, or anytime during the summer months for the greatest chance of success.
Can you use rooting hormone on succulents?
Yes, you can use rooting hormone on succulents. In fact, I recommend it, as it helps them root faster, and also creates stronger and healthier plants.
Propagating succulents is easy, and it’s a great way to multiply your collection for free, or share them with friends. Once you get the hang of rooting the stem cuttings and leaves, you’ll have plenty of new babies to go around.
If you want to learn how to multiply even more of your favorite plants, then my Plant Propagation eBook is for you! It will show you how to use simple techniques to propagate any type of plant that you want! Download your copy today.
More About Plant Propagation
- Rooting Aloe Vera Cuttings Step By StepPropagating String Of Pearls In Water Or SoilPropagating Mint Plants From Cuttings Step-By-StepPropagating String Of Hearts (Rosary Vine) From Cuttings Or DivisionHow To Propagate Plumeria From CuttingsPropagating ZZ Plants From Cuttings Or Division
Share your tips for propagating succulents in the comments section below!
