The Complete Guide to the Latest Succulent Propagation Methods

Succulents are common potted plants for us, with their cute and chubby appearance, so adorable that people cannot resist pinching them. Below, let us learn how succulents are propagated. Succulent propagation is relatively simple and easy; the commonly used methods include sowing, cuttings, division, grafting, and so on.

1. Propagation by sowing

Only a few succulents can self-pollinate and set seed; most require hand pollination to obtain seeds. Moreover, their seeds have an extremely short lifespan, and storing them too long will reduce their germination rate. Therefore, for many succulents, after the seeds mature, spring of the following year is often chosen for sowing.

2. Propagation by cuttings

Cuttings are the most common propagation method, mainly including leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, and root cuttings.

Leaf cuttings: Choose healthy, undamaged leaves, insert them or place them on a moist sand bed or loose soil. Within just a few days, they will take root and grow buds, forming small plants.

Stem cuttings: Just like leaf cuttings, cut off a section of healthy stem. The wound will exude white milky sap. After disinfecting and drying it, it can be inserted into the soil.

Root cuttings: Root cuttings are suitable for succulents with well-developed root systems. Cut off the mature fleshy roots, bury them in a sand bed, and keep the soil moist with sufficient light. Before long, buds will sprout from the top of the roots, forming small plants.

3. Propagation by division

Division is the simplest and safest of all propagation methods. It is suitable for rosette-forming or clustering succulents and can be done through their bulbs, tubers, and small plantlets. The method is similar to cuttings: simply cut off the divided part and plant it separately.

4. Propagation by grafting

Grafting is often used to propagate variegated and cristate varieties, and the operation must be extremely quick and skillful to succeed. Combine the cut scion and rootstock, press hard to squeeze out the air bubbles inside, use their sap to bond them together, and secure them well. After grafting, keep the soil moist, be careful not to let water touch the joint, and place it in a cool place, avoiding direct strong light.

The above is the content about succulent propagation methods. When propagating succulents, you need to be patient. Do not fail at propagation because of impatience, especially with cuttings. Do not pick them up to look from time to time, as this is no different from destroying your own results.