How to Propagate Succulents from Leaves and Cuttings

Succulent propagation is one of the most rewarding parts of being a plant parent. It's not only a great way to save a struggling plant but also the easiest way to grow your collection for free. Here's a simple, step-by-step guide to propagating your succulents from both leaves and cuttings.

METHOD 1: LEAF PROPAGATION

This method works best for succulents with thick, plump leaves like Echeveria and Graptopetalum.

Step 1: Get Your Leaves

Gently twist a healthy leaf from the main stem. Make sure the leaf comes off cleanly without any part of the base remaining on the stem. A clean pull is essential for successful propagation.

Step 2: Let Them Callous

Place your leaves in a dry, shaded spot for 3 to 5 days. The end of the leaf where it was attached will dry out and form a "callous" or scab. This protects the leaf from rot and disease once it's placed in soil.

Step 3: Lay on the Soil

Fill a shallow tray or pot with a well-draining succulent soil mix. Lay the calloused leaves flat on top of the soil. Don't bury them!

Step 4: Wait and Watch

Place the tray in a spot with bright, indirect light. Don't water them yet. After a few weeks, you'll start to see tiny roots and a new baby plant sprout from the calloused end.

Step 5: Start Watering

Once the baby plant and roots have formed, you can begin to water lightly. A good method is to use a spray bottle to mist the soil around the roots every few days. The mother leaf will eventually shrivel and fall off, providing nutrients to the new plant.

METHOD 2: STEM CUTTING PROPAGATION

This method works well for taller succulents like Jade Plants and other leggy varieties.

Step 1: Take the Cutting

Using a clean, sharp knife or pair of scissors, cut the top of the succulent's stem. You can cut off the top part of a leggy plant to give it a fresh start.

Step 2: Remove the Bottom Leaves

Gently remove the bottom few leaves from the cutting, leaving a bare stem of about an inch or two. This is where the new roots will grow.

Step 3: Let it Callous

Just like with leaf propagation, let the cutting sit in a dry, shaded place for 2 to 3 days. The cut end will callous over, preventing rot when you plant it.

Step 4: Plant the Cutting

Once the end is dry, plant the cutting directly into a pot with well-draining soil. The pot should have a drainage hole.

Step 5: Wait and Water

Place the pot in a spot with bright, indirect light. Wait for about a week before you water it for the first time. After that, water only when the soil is completely dry. In a few weeks, the cutting will begin to grow new roots, and soon you'll have a healthy new plant!