Plants provide beauty to both indoor or outdoor spaces. We believe, you can never have enough plants! However, even if you’re tapped out on space, you can still grow more plants and give them as thoughtful gifts. So, let’s dig in and learn how to grow more plants through propagation techniques.
Succulents are one of our favorites since their drought-tolerance allows them to survive the driest of climates; meaning less watering and hands on maintenance for you! Not only are they easy to maintain, but they are easy to propagate as well. These stunning plants are great for gardeners of all levels. Fast-growing and resilient, succulents are a great way to nurture your green thumb. Here are some of our tips on how to grow more plants by utilizing three simple propagation techniques: division, stem cutting, and leaf cutting.
Division
Most types of succulents (such as Haworthias, Echeverias, Graptoverias, and Sempervivum) produce clumps of growth and offsets, otherwise known as pups or babies. These offspring can easily be divided at the rootball, either above or below the soil depending on where their roots are. If there aren’t any pups but more than one main stem is growing, then divide that stem’s roots below the soil line. This technique offers the highest propagation success rate. Note on this example where we’ve easily identified three pups that are ready to be divided off of the mother plant to make more plants.
Stem Cuttings
For another high success rate, stem cutting can be utilized when there’s multiple branches extending out. Simply cut at the desired spot, allow the tip to dry and callous (for 24 to 72 hours), and place directly in well-draining cactus and succulent soil.
When cutting, there are 5 locations to choose from, as shown below.
Leaf Cuttings
One of the easiest and simplest techniques of all is through leaf propagation. After all, succulent leaves naturally fall off and begin to root without any helping hand. Therefore, all this one requires is for them to be gathered and set on top of soil. Place in a shaded area away from the harsh rays of the afternoon sun and mist lightly with water. Once the roots have grown 1-2 inches, you can transplant them into the soil. Leaf propagation is the easiest technique, but we have found the success rate to be lower than the other two techniques mentioned. Consider yourself successful if half of your leaves develop roots and successfully grow into independent plants.
When you’re ready to cultivate a new plant from an existing one, all you need is your succulent of choice, containers with drainage holes, a well-draining Cactus & Succulent Soil Mix, and sharp, sanitized Pruning Shears; our team recommends a 7:1 ratio of rubbing alcohol to water to sanitize. Stop by The Secret Garden today for supplies and amazing succulent choices! We’re open daily from 10-5pm, Monday to Sunday. So come on it and let’s get you propagating!
Thank you to Courtney Giles for her work on this article.
