How to Propagate Succulent Plants? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Propagation Methods

Succulent plants are relatively easy to propagate. The commonly used methods include grafting, cuttings, seed sowing, root cuttings, division, leaf cuttings, and cutting off the growing point. Among these, seed sowing is more common in the Aizoaceae, leaf cuttings are the most efficient for propagating Crassulaceae, cutting off the growing point is most suitable for Haworthia, and grafting is most widely used in the Cactaceae. Now let us take a look at how to propagate succulent plants!

Leaf Cutting Propagation

1. Gently twist and remove fresh, mature leaves from plants such as Echeveria, Pachyphytum, and Graptopetalum in the Crassulaceae family, taking care not to damage the growing point at the base of the leaf.

2. Fill a shallow flat pot with growing medium, and the surface needs a top dressing.

3. Gently place the freshly removed leaves on the medium; they can only be laid flat with the leaf surface facing up or leaned at an angle against the pot wall. Never insert the leaves into the soil, as this will cause the leaves to rot.

4. Depending on the variety, after about 2 to 4 weeks, small buds will sprout from the base of the leaf. Once the small buds grow roots, or once a leafless small bud grows leaves, the leaf cutting is considered successful.

5. Wait until the mother leaf is completely shriveled and all its nutrients have been absorbed by the new leaves, then it can be removed, and at this point the young plant can be replanted.

Grafting Propagation

1. Succulent grafting should be carried out during the growing season. The most suitable season is the peak growth period in early summer. Choose a sunny day with high temperature and humidity for grafting; when the air is dry, it is best to operate in the early morning.

2. When selecting rootstock and scion, choose healthy, disease-free ones. Do not use overly old, lignified parts, but ones that are too tender are also unsuitable.

3. The height of the rootstock graft point is determined by various factors. Varieties without chlorophyll should be grafted higher to ensure an adequate supply of light and assimilates.

4. Grafting of cactus-type succulents is relatively simple; use a relatively thin blade.

5. About 2 weeks of careful management is needed. After grafting, place in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight, and do not let the graft point get wet before it has fully healed.

6. After the graft has taken, side buds and side branches growing from the rootstock should be removed as early as possible so as not to affect the growth of the scion.

Cutting Propagation

1. Cutting propagation has the advantages of fast growth, early flowering, and maintaining the original varietal characteristics. Because succulent plants do not easily wither, cuttings take root easily.

2. It is best to take cuttings when growth begins around the Spring Festival. Take material from healthy plants or parts, disinfect it to prevent the cut from becoming infected.

3. Freshly cut material should not be planted immediately. Place it in a dry, ventilated, warm spot with indirect light so that callus tissue forms and seals the wound before inserting it into the medium.

4. The cutting medium should be well aerated, retaining water while also having good drainage performance, such as perlite and vermiculite.

5. After cutting, pay attention to controlling the moisture of the medium, watering sparingly or not at all.

Note: Some species in the subfamily Ruschioideae of the Aizoaceae, the genus Haworthia of the Asphodelaceae, and the genus Agave of the Asparagaceae cannot be propagated by cuttings because their stems are fragile or absent.

Adventitious Bud Propagation

1. Plants in the Kalanchoe section Bryophyllum of the Crassulaceae family produce small adventitious buds along the leaf edges, which can take root and sprout when they fall onto the medium.

2. In spring, healthy leaves can be laid flat on a sand bed, pressed closely against the sand, avoiding direct sunlight.

3. About 1 week after placing them, small plantlets can grow from the notches along the leaf edges. After they root, the moisture of the medium can be increased to promote the growth of the young plants.

4. The rooted small plantlets growing from the notches along the leaf edges can also be removed from the mother leaf and placed on the soil so that they become individual plants.