Succulents

Propagating Succulents: Finding New Homes for All Those Pups

Corrine Kutx, Unsplash

Succulents are among the easiest plants to propagate. Snap off baby succulents (pups) growing right off the parent plant or make a cutting of a stem. You can take succulent cuttings in the fall, spring, or summer.

Equipment and materials

Pruning/cutting tools. Always use clean, sharp cutting tools to make cuttings. Sanitize them in a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water).

Containers. Wash small containers (4-inch diameter plastic pots work well) in soapy water and sanitize them in a 10% bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water).

Rooting medium. Use fast-draining soil or commercial cactus/succulent mix.

Cuttings

Succulents are among the easiest plants to propagate. Photo: Gail Mason

1. Snap off baby succulents growing off the parent plant or cut a 2 to 3-inch piece of stem. Cut at a slight angle one-quarter inch below a node. Your cutting should have several intact leaves, and one to two nodes.

2. Wait 24 to 48 hours to plant, allowing the end of the baby succulent or cutting to callous. This helps to force root formation.

3. Plant your baby succulent or cutting in a container filled rooting medium.

4. Place succulent cuttings in location with indirect sunlight.

5. Keep the soil slightly moist. Do not over water, as this will cause the stem to rot.