Propagating Succulents For Beginners

First what is a succulent?

By definition succulents are a type of “xerophyte,” a shallow-rooted wonder that thrives in dry climates and stores water in fat, fleshy leaves and stems (Schiller, 2019). These amazing specimens are some of nature's most efficient plants. They are still just like ordinary plants; in regard to the need of water to survive. However, succulents can withstand long periods of drought by relying on a common trait. The ability of these plants to use their leaves as water storage is how they can endure very dry conditions. These leaves are usually thick and fleshy. These are plants that typically tend to thrive in warm, dry areas that do not have lots of humidity. Currently there is popular demand for having them as houseplants, due to their low maintenance needs, added with their stunning colours and patterns, makes it a perfect plant for a beginner.

Different Methods of propagation

There are 2 easy methods on how to propagate and grow more of your favourite succulents (Schiller, 2019).

1. Dividing

2. Cuttings

Dividing can occur in 2 ways. First through Plantlet Removal or by Root Separation.

In plantlet removal you would removed the offset or little pups from the mother plant. These offsets are fully-formed mini-plants that will grow independently.

(Series of pictures below show an example of plantlet removal. This is a old Euphobia enopia that has many pups growing off it. I dug it up and cut off each pup from the mother plant, the last picture is the pups laying out to dry out and callus over before planting up in individual pots.)

By root separation, you would unearth the whole plant and gently separate the plant and plant each clump separately. When doing root separation you can plant immediately, however when doing plantlet removal you should let the pups callus off before planting to avoid rot.

Cutting propagation can also occur in 2 ways; Leaf Removal or Beheading.

During leaf removal it starts by removing healthy leaves from the stem and drying them to callus over. Next you would take the leaves and place them on top of a growing media where you will watch them grow roots, and eventually a new plant will shoot up.

(Picture to the left is an example of leaf propagation of Crassula ovata or more commonly Jade)

Instead of propagating through leaf removal you could choose to use the beheading method. This method includes cutting off the head; leaving around an inch of stem left. Take lowest leaves off, let dry out and callus over. Then plant, and the new plant will grow roots and continue to grow. This method is best when the original plant may have grown leggy and is not as compact as you would like it.

(Picture to the right is a bunch Sedum aldolphi that have been beheaded from original plant and potted up individually).

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Sharp shears

• Garden gloves (for handling spiny varieties)

• Small trowel

• Potting medium for succulents and cacti

• Containers with adequate drainage holes

5 Steps for Success

1. Make a choice on whether to behead, remove leaves, or both! When removing leaves be sure to be gentle and twist off the entire leave, if you only have a potion of the leave it will not work. When taking the head off, as said previously, leave about an inch length of bare stem.

2. Callus off! This is an extremely important step, and one that has unfortunately been troublesome for me in the past. Which resulted in a couple casualties due to my impatient behaviour. I know you want to plant as soon as possible but make sure to let them dry out and callus over. Planting a freshly cut succulent will likely result in the plant rotting out and sad emotions taking over. I typically tend to let them dry out for 2-3 days and have had success with that, some people will advise to let dry out a week or more. The time frame of 2-3 days is more of a compromise with my impatience as well as my experience of not overwatering once planted. But for beginner planters I would suggest, to be save wait, 5-7 days.

(Picture to the right is a batch of Austrocylindropuntia sublata, also known as Eve's Pin Cactus, that is drying out and callusing over).

3. Growing roots! Over the next couple weeks roots will begin to form. Some like to have this step separate from step 4 if you want to ensure roots are growing before planting in a growing medium but again my impatience tends for me to combine this step with step 4 and just have the roots grow in media rather than having them visible.

4. Plant! If you haven't already planted now is the time. Be sure to not compact the growing media too tightly because the roots need oxygen as well to grow. Do not water in heavily, even if your plant has some roots, they are still forming and you do not want to run the risk of rot, better to be dry than sitting in soaking media.

5. Care! Now your plant is ready to thrive and show you what it can do. You still need to be active in the care for the plant. To ensure you don't overwater as well as making sure you don't let it crumble and dry out completely. There is a balance to this and practice will help when trying to determine to water or to let sit. Make sure you put ur plant in a nice sunny spot. Be careful though as some plants that have not been acclimatized to full sun will burn. Morning sun then part shade is a good way to start building up a sun tolerance. Remember that all species will vary with which conditions are best for them, if you want to really be a good plant parent. Research which type of succulent you have, and find out how to give it the best care you can.

Remember to have fun and don't be discouraged with casualties, learn from them and continue to grow. Just like the plants!

References: Schiller, N. (2019, February 3). Propagating Succulents in 5 Easy Steps. Retrieved from https://gardenerspath.com/how-to/propagation/succulents-five-easy-steps/