How To Propagate Succulents From Leaves (With A Free Ebook)

Propagating succulent leaves is a popular method. Though it does not apply to all succulents, this is the best way to expand your garden. From a succulent leave, you can grow a whole new healthy plant. This article will show you how to propagate succulent leaves correctly (and a small gift at the bottom of it, so don’t miss it). Let’s dive in!

About Succulent Leaves Propagation

One common thing you need to do when performing stem/cutting propagation is to clear out the leaves. This method utilizes those resources. It’s such a waste throwing them all away. You can form a new healthy plant with a succulent leaf. By saying ‘having a chance’ here, I mean not every leaf can root and form a new plant. It depends on several conditions (lighting, moisture, the leaf’s original condition, …). But in my experience, the success rate is about 80% if you have all healthy-looking leaves.

Despite that significant benefit, propagating succulent leaves will take a long time and show little progress daily. The new plant will be smaller, and you must be much more careful in caring for them. Therefore, you might need some planting trays for the number of new plants after the propagation. Planting is like meditation, in my opinion, and not designed for impatient people. But if you want other methods that show better results, check the guides about propagating succulents through cuttings.

Follow Succulent City on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram for more informative & interesting content about succulents & cacti 🙂 Join the discussions at our Facebook Group, “Succulent City Plant Lounge.” Happy planting, and live the moment!

Steps On Propagating Succulent Leaves Successfully

If you remove the leaf, nature will take care of the rest. For the sake of thoroughness, I’ll add some details.

#1. Choose The Leaves

For the best results, use healthy-looking leaves. Any leaves that look wilted, discolored, rotten, or mushy should be cut off and discarded. Leaves that look bright, plump, and firm will give us the best outcome.

#2. Cut Off The Leaves

It will help if you use a sharp pair of scissors or a clean, sterile knife to cut the leaf off the stem. You can also do this by hand. If you choose to use your hands, avoid leaf breakage. It’s advisable to cut no more than three leaves at any time. Try to avoid wrinkled or distorted succulent leaves. Any leaves that appear to host pests or diseases are a definite no-no.

#3. Root Sprouting

Put some well-draining soil onto a flat surface like a kitchen tray. Let your cuttings lie flat on the soil surface, either on the kitchen tray or in your garden. It will give the cutting time to heal while recovering from the shock of sudden detachment. Leave the leaf on the soil surface for up to 5 days without burying it.

#4. Re-planting Nicely

You should see your leaves sprouting after a few days. Some leaves will shrivel up and dry. That is normal. Discard any dry, shriveled leaves and focus on the leaves that have started producing root systems. Depending on the succulent species and present conditions, the roots can sprout in a few days or weeks. Once the sprouted roots grow a few inches long, you can transfer the leaves to your garden or indoor pots and containers.

A Small Bonus 🙂

It was so exciting when I started growing my succulents from leaves, and I never stopped! We have prepared a free ebook about how to propagate succulents from leaves. Download it here:

Final Words

Be aware that this only works on succulents with distinct stems and leaves. Succulents like Echeveria, Sedum, Senecio, and Graptopetalum are great candidates. If you try this with an Aloe or a Haworthia, you’ll end up with a dead leaf and disappointment. Only do it if the leaf comes off easily!