Succulents are plants with thick and fleshy parts of the leaves that retain water. The thick fleshy tissues are known as an adaptation to water storage. This means that succulents do very well in dry climates.
The succulents come in different varieties defined mainly by their leaves and flowering. One of the best ways of growing succulents is propagation.
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This article will guide you on the best way of propagating these plants.
Steps to follow to propagate succulents from stems
Among the most common succulents are sedum, jade, and aeoniums. These are plants that can be propagated using their stems. The propagation involves cutting the stem. Cutting stems from a succulent is also known as great for pruning.
The pruning allows the other parts of the plant to access enough sunlight. Here are some of the steps that can help you succeed in propagating the succulents from stems.
Step 1: Choosing the plant
It is essential to ensure you choose the best succulent plant when propagating. This is because the propagation results depend on the plant’s type and quality.
Identifying plants with excellent health is advisable. This enhances the chances of success in propagation.
Step 2: Cutting the stem
Once you identify the plant, it is time to cut the stem. You are recommended to use the right tools when cutting the stem.
The use of clean scissors is recommended to avoid infecting the stem. It increases the odds of success in the propagation process.
It is recommended that you should give the stem some days to heal. This is considered a great way of increasing the possibility of success in propagation. Let the stem cutting be callous to ensure that you achieve the desired outcome.
Step 3: Removing a few leaves
It is also recommended to remove the leaves that may prevent the cutting from rooting quickly. This helps you to work it out easier by sticking the stem in a potting mix. Remember that the leaves can delay rooting and cause rotting if not removed.
Step 4: Sticking the stem in the soil
You are to stick the stem in the soil once it is ready. This process is more straightforward when you already have the potting mix ready. It is also more accessible when the moisture in the potting mix is retained.
The calloused end of the stem should be put in the potting mix. Placing the pot in an area with enough access to sunlight and air is recommended.
Step 5: Repotting the succulent
With time, the stem cutting start to develop roots. This process takes less time when closely monitoring and providing the right conditions.
Once the roots are ready, it is time to move the succulent. The propagated succulent should be planted in a large pot. This is because they are heavily rooted and need enough space.
Steps to follow to propagate succulents from leaves
The other great way of propagating the succulents is using the leaves. It is the nature of succulents to drop leaves when they multiply. When the leaves drop, they can be propagated to produce new plants.
You need to take the leave and allow it to be callous. Here are a few steps that can guide you to great success in leaf propagation.
Step 1: Choosing the plant
It is usually essential to have a selection of plants for your garden. This is where you can select the right plant to propagate.
The most important thing is to ensure that the selected plant is healthy. It is also necessary to provide you an understanding of how each plant grows when making this selection.
Step 2: Pulling a leaf
It would be best if you then moved to pluck a leaf from the selected plant. Experts recommend that pulling a leaf should be gentle and precise. This is to ensure that the leaf of not damaged.
You are advised to twist the leaf when pulling it gently. Selecting firm leaves that cannot break easily is also recommended.
Step 3: Allow the cut ends to heal
The next step is ensuring the leaf gets enough time to heal. This is called allowing the leaf to be callous. The end of a plucked leaf is always wet. This is because the succulents hold a lot of water in the leaves. Experts recommend giving the leaf a minimum of five days.
Step 4: Adding rooting hormone
Propagating succulent plants may also require the rooting hormone. This hormone is necessary to enhance rooting. The rooting hormone comes in different varieties.
That is why looking for more information about the various growth hormones is essential. You are recommended to dip the stem cutting after it calluses.
Step 5: Adding to the soil
You must have some potting mix ready when the leaf calluses. The next step is to put the leaf cutting in the potting mix.
You are required to add enough soil or potting mix to hold the leaf. Remember that the soil should have all the requirements added to help achieve better results.
Step 6: Potting the plant
The succulent plant can be potted anew when it has rooted. This is the right time to place the propagated leaf in an enormous container. Remember to ensure you retain the moisture for the propagated plant to grow. Also, remember to monitor the growth of the succulent plant for better results.
What is the easiest way to propagate succulents?
There is no easy way of propagating succulents. This is because they are among the delicate plants that can delay propagation. However, stem cuttings are considered the best option. This is mainly for first-time gardeners.
Stem cuttings are easy to get. They also grow roots more quickly than leaf cuttings. The stem cuttings have higher odds of success because they are hardened. They also develop a new plant with minimal care.
Is it okay to cut off a piece of succulent and replant?
One of the main areas of contention in propagating succulents is using any part for propagation. It is good to note that almost all aspects of succulent plants can be propagated. However, it is recommended that the leaf and the stem are the best alternatives.
Either way, you must be skilled enough when propagating the succulents. You need to ensure that you precisely get the cutting from the succulent plant.
Remember that the cutting should be given enough time to callous. Your success rate also depends on the potting mix and the level of monitoring.
Can you put succulent cuttings straight into the soil?
One of the gardeners’ most significant mistakes is placing a cutting straight in the soil. This is a major failure that can contribute to delayed growth of the rooting system. It is advisable to give that cutting some time to callous.
Experts recommend that you give the plant at least a day to callous. Place the cutting in a dry area to ensure that it heals quickly. It is good to make sure that you monitor any damage to the cutting.
Remember that you might also need to dip the cuttings in the rooting hormone. You can then decide on planting when you are ready.
Which is better – propagating succulents in water or dirt?
Propagating succulents in water or dirt can work effectively. This means that there is no better method than the other.
However, it has been viewed that propagating the succulents in the soil has a greater success rate. This is because it encourages quick rooting.
A significant risk of propagating the succulents in water is rotting. This is because the succulents already hold water. Adding them to more water can lead to rotting or delayed rooting. Remember that whatever the method, you should monitor the process closely.
How long does it take before succulent cuttings to root?
Succulents are excellent rooters, especially when exposed to the right conditions. But the success of each method is dependent on the presented conditions.
Experts have indicated that the cuttings can root within two weeks. Time is not very critical as long as you monitor the propagation closely. What you need to do is to ensure that you replant the succulent once it has rooted successfully.
Does misting succulent cuttings help?
One of the biggest concerns in propagating succulents is misting the cuttings. It is considered appropriate to mist the cuttings often using a sprayer. However, the soil should be kept dry when necessary.
It is also required to dampen the soil to encourage rooting. Remember to avoid making the soil too wet to prevent rotting.
How often should you water propagated succulents?
Watering the propagated succulents is good for promoting growth. Water and light are considered the most essential requirements for successful propagation.
Watering the succulent when the soil moisture dries up is considered appropriate.
The watering should be done more often in areas with high temperatures and humidity. Remember always to avoid overwatering the succulent. It can lead to rotting and delayed rooting.