Succulents are beloved for their unique beauty, low maintenance requirements, and the ability to thrive in various environments. One of the most rewarding aspects of growing succulents is that they are incredibly easy to propagate, allowing you to expand your collection without needing to purchase new plants. Propagating succulents in soil is a straightforward process that can be done with just a few supplies and a bit of patience. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of propagating succulents in soil, from selecting the right cuttings to caring for your new plants.
Understanding Succulent Propagation
Succulents can be propagated through several methods, including leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, and offsets (also known as pups). Propagation in soil is one of the most popular methods because it closely mimics the plant’s natural growing conditions. When propagating in soil, the cuttings or leaves are placed directly into the soil, where they can develop roots and eventually grow into new plants.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you begin propagating your succulents, gather the following supplies:
Healthy Succulent Plants: Choose plants that are healthy and free of pests or diseases. You can propagate succulents from mature plants or from leaves and stems that have fallen off naturally.
Sharp, Clean Shears or Scissors: A clean cut is essential for successful propagation, so make sure your shears or scissors are sharp and sterilized.
Well-Draining Soil Mix: Succulents need a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. You can purchase a commercial succulent mix or create your own by mixing potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice.
Shallow Containers or Pots: Use shallow containers with drainage holes for propagating succulents. Shallow pots help prevent water from accumulating at the bottom, which can lead to root rot.
Water: You’ll need water to moisten the soil, but be careful not to overwater your cuttings.
Rooting Hormone (Optional): Rooting hormone can help encourage root growth, but it’s not necessary for succulent propagation.
Step 1: Selecting the Right Cuttings
The first step in propagating succulents in soil is selecting the right cuttings. You can propagate succulents from leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, or offsets.
Leaf Cuttings
Leaf cuttings are one of the most common methods of succulent propagation. To take a leaf cutting, gently twist or pull a healthy leaf from the base of the plant. Be sure to remove the entire leaf, including the base, as incomplete or damaged leaves may not root properly.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are another popular method of propagation. This method is ideal for succulents with longer stems, such as Echeveria, Sedum, or Crassula. To take a stem cutting, use sharp, clean shears or scissors to cut a healthy stem just below a node (the point where leaves attach to the stem). Make sure the cutting is at least a few inches long and has several leaves attached.
Offsets (Pups)
Offsets, also known as pups, are small plants that grow at the base of the parent plant. They can be easily removed and planted to create a new succulent. Gently pull or cut the offset away from the parent plant, making sure to include any attached roots.
Step 2: Allow Cuttings to Callus
After you’ve taken your cuttings or removed offsets, the next step is to allow them to callus. Callusing is the process of letting the cuttings dry out and form a protective layer over the cut end. This step is crucial, as it helps prevent rot when the cuttings are placed in the soil.
For Leaf Cuttings: Lay the leaves flat on a clean, dry surface in a warm, dry location out of direct sunlight. Allow the cut ends to dry and callus over for a few days to a week.
For Stem Cuttings: Place the cut end of the stem cutting on a clean, dry surface and allow it to callus over for several days. Larger cuttings may take longer to callus.
For Offsets: If the offset has a cut or broken area where it was removed from the parent plant, allow this area to dry and callus over for a few days before planting.
Step 3: Preparing the Soil
While your cuttings are callusing, you can prepare the soil and containers. Succulents need a well-draining soil mix to thrive, so it’s important to use the right soil.
Choose a Well-Draining Mix: You can use a commercial succulent or cactus mix, or create your own by combining regular potting soil with sand, perlite, or pumice. A good ratio is about 50% potting soil and 50% sand or perlite.
Fill the Containers: Fill your shallow containers or pots with the soil mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Gently tap the container to settle the soil, but don’t pack it down too tightly.
See also: How to Make Your Jade Plant Branch Out: A Detailed Guide
Step 4: Planting the Cuttings
Once your cuttings have callused and your soil is prepared, it’s time to plant the cuttings in the soil.
Planting Leaf Cuttings
Place the Leaves on the Soil Surface: Lay the callused leaf cuttings flat on the soil surface, with the cut end facing down. You don’t need to bury the leaves in the soil; simply placing them on top is sufficient.
Optional: If you prefer, you can lightly press the cut end of the leaf into the soil, but be careful not to damage the leaf.
Planting Stem Cuttings
Insert the Stem into the Soil: Gently press the callused end of the stem cutting into the soil, deep enough to support the cutting but not too deep to prevent proper rooting. The lower leaves should be just above the soil surface.
Firm the Soil: Lightly press the soil around the stem cutting to help it stay upright.
Planting Offsets
Place the Offset in the Soil: Plant the offset in the soil, with any roots covered and the top of the plant above the soil surface. If the offset has no roots, plant it just like a stem cutting, with the base of the offset in the soil.
Firm the Soil: Gently press the soil around the offset to hold it in place.
Step 5: Watering the Cuttings
Watering is a critical step in succulent propagation, but it’s important not to overwater the cuttings. Succulents are prone to rot if they receive too much water, especially during the early stages of propagation.
Initial Watering: After planting the cuttings, wait a few days before watering them. This allows the cuttings to acclimate to the soil and reduces the risk of rot.
Water Sparingly: When you do water the cuttings, use a small amount of water to moisten the soil. The soil should be damp but not soaked. Succulents prefer to dry out between waterings, so it’s better to underwater than overwater.
Watering Frequency: Continue to water the cuttings sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. As the cuttings begin to develop roots and grow, you can gradually increase the amount of water.
Step 6: Providing the Right Conditions
After planting and watering your cuttings, it’s important to provide the right conditions for successful propagation.
Light: Succulent cuttings need bright, indirect light to encourage rooting and growth. Avoid placing the cuttings in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to dry out and burn. A bright windowsill or a spot with filtered sunlight is ideal.
Temperature: Succulents prefer warm temperatures between 60°F and 80°F (15°C and 27°C). Keep the cuttings in a warm, draft-free location to promote rooting.
Humidity: While succulents are adapted to dry environments, a slightly higher humidity level can help encourage root development during propagation. You can increase humidity by placing a clear plastic bag or dome over the cuttings, but be sure to remove it periodically to allow for air circulation.
Step 7: Monitoring and Caring for the New Plants
As your succulent cuttings begin to root and grow, it’s important to monitor their progress and provide the care they need to thrive.
Root Development: After a few weeks, you should start to see roots forming on the cuttings. Gently tug on the cuttings to check for resistance, which indicates that roots are developing.
New Growth: Once the cuttings have established roots, they will begin to produce new leaves and growth. This is a sign that the propagation process is successful and that the plants are thriving.
Transplanting: When the new plants are large enough and have established a healthy root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into a garden bed. Use the same well-draining soil mix and gradually introduce the plants to more direct sunlight.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
While succulent propagation is generally straightforward, there are a few common problems that can arise:
Rotting Cuttings: If your cuttings start to rot, it’s likely due to overwatering or insufficient drying time during the callusing process. Remove any rotting cuttings and adjust your watering routine to allow the soil to dry out more between waterings.
No Root Development: If your cuttings aren’t developing roots, they may not be receiving enough light or warmth. Move the cuttings to a brighter, warmer location and ensure they are getting adequate indirect light.
Slow Growth: Succulent cuttings may take several weeks or even months to show significant growth. Be patient and continue to provide the right conditions, and your cuttings will eventually thrive.
Conclusion
Propagating succulents in soil is a rewarding and enjoyable process that allows you to grow your collection and share your favorite plants with others. By following these steps and providing the right care, you can successfully propagate succulents and enjoy the beauty of these hardy plants in your home or garden. With a little patience and attention, you’ll soon have a thriving collection of new succulents to admire and enjoy.
