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DIY

Succulent Propagation

Propagating succulents is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to grow your garden.  I have been propagating my succulents for about two years and have multiplied the number of plants I have for free.  I literally spend more on pots and soil than I do on plants.  

 

This being said, there are some succulents that are easier to propagate than others.  I have had great success with some, and limited to no success with others.  It is all about experimentation and seeing what works.

Leaf propagation

Personally, I have found leaf propagation the easiest and most successful method of propagating my succulents, especially Graptopetalum varieties.  All you need is a little sun and patience.

To propagate leaves:

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  • Gently twist off leaves

  • Place in a dry spot with indirect sunlight for two to three days, until the raw end scabs over

  • Place leaves on a bed of soil or potted soil in a sunny spot and mist with water daily

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  • You should have new roots and leaves within two to three weeks

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*Another way to propagate a leaf is to stick the end right into the soil.  I have had success with this method growing a Pachyphytum variety that did not really take to the previous leaf propagation method.  It may be a couple of months before you see new growth using this method.

Beheading

If you’re anything like me, the thought of beheading a succulent is not a welcome one.  Before I did it, I dreaded it.  I thought I was killing my succulent, but in reality, I was giving her a new, longer life.

 

This is a good method to correct succulents that have stretched, bent, or become “leggy,” since there is no way to really “fix” a succulent that has stretched.

To behead a succulent:

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  • Decide where to cut. Depending on the size of the succulent, leave at least an inch or two form the crown to provide stability after planting and enough room for roots to grow

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  • Cut and remove bottom leaves

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  • Place the crown and leaves in a dry spot with indirect sunlight for two to three days, until the raw ends scab over

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  • Leave the stump in its planter or new soil, it will grow its own babies

  • Plant crown in well-drained soil and leave in a sunny spot. Do not water for at least three weeks, to allow for root growth.  Watering too early may cause rot and kill the crown. You will know when the crown has established roots by tugging gently and feeling for resistance.  Once you feel resistance, start watering as you did before beheading. DO NOT TUG OR WATER TOO EARLY!

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  • Propagate cut leaves as indicated above

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Finally, I have to say that I would never have the number of succulents I have today if I had given up when I was unsuccessful.   My advice is to try different methods on different plants and seeing what works.

 

Related:

 

Pothos Propagation: https://www.realestatefiend.com/pothos-propagation

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