How To Propagate Succulents From Cuttings

We have 6 possible propagation methods for succulents. But believe me, this is the most common and easy-to-follow method among all. Propagating succulents from cutting is one of the most important skills any gardener should have when growing succulents. Let’s take a detailed look into this method through the article ‘How to propagate succulents from cuttings’!

What Is Beneficial About This Method?

This method is helpful when dealing with two problems:

• “Fix” etiolated plants: When plants have insufficient light and grow leggy, that can’t be undone. You can, however, snip out the leggy part and plant the top part again to have two plants – the base of the original (which will resume growth) and a cutting. Just make sure they get enough light this time!
• Saving time: It’s the fastest way to get new plants. Growing new succulents from leaves is easy and efficient but slow. It could take up to a year to get a decent-sized plant. Cuttings root and grow more quickly than leaf propagations (plus, they start bigger).

A Step-by-step Guide On Propagating Succulents From Cuttings

#1. Select The Right Position

It needs to be near the end of the branch or stem. Usually, 3 to 6 inches away is appropriate. You’ll also want to ensure that the plant is growing and healthy here – propagating a weak or dying plant is a recipe for failure.

#2. Clearing Out

It’s easier to get a good cut without any obstacles in 1-2 inches long. Clearing out the chosen position is helpful either way: getting a good cut and leaves propagation. Some succulents’ leaves are great to propagate, though this process usually takes more time.

#3. Perform The Cut

Make a clean cut perpendicular to the stem (the stem should be flat on top, not diagonal at all): Use sharp, sterile scissors. That part is essential because dull scissors will crush the plant while cutting it, which makes it less likely to recover. Dirty scissors transfer germs directly into the wound – that’s no good. I highly recommend using gardening scissors or shears for this process. These gardening pruning shears by Vivoson are good!

#4. Let The Cuttings Dry & Root

Allow the mother plant and the cutting to callus just as we did for leaves in the above technique: It should take between 3-10 days. Don’t let them get wet but keep them in direct light.

Stick the bottom of the cutting into the dirt up to where the leaves start: Depending on the species of succulents, roots should start growing within a month, and you can begin to water. There will already be enough water in the plant to sustain it.

#5. Re-planting It Nicely

We also recommend making sure you are using quality succulent soil. We highly recommend this soil mix by Bonsai Jack. It is one of the best soil mixes on the market. It doesn’t need to be mixed with any other soil, helps fight root rot, is perfectly pH Balanced & is pathogen-free (ie: it won’t kill your plants). This soil is the go-to for our office plants. 

Final Words

In summary, snip off a bit of the succulent and stick it in the ground. It couldn’t be easier. However, this method only works with plants that have pronounced stems. Sorry, Aloe and Haworthia, that means you’re not eligible. Many of the plants we suggested for leaf propagation are also excellent choices: Echeveria, Sedum, Graptosedum, Graptopetalum, etc.