What are the propagation methods for succulents? An introduction to common methods such as grafting

Succulent grafting methods

1. Choosing the grafting time

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

2. How to choose rootstock and scion

When choosing rootstock and scion, choose healthy and disease-free ones. The rootstock should not be too old, to avoid grafting failure caused by insufficient growth vigor.

3. How to choose the grafting position

 The height of the rootstock incision is decided by many factors, but generally placing it in the middle is fine. Varieties without chlorophyll should be grafted higher, so as to ensure enough light and photosynthate supply.

4. Grafting method

Succulents are juicy, fleshy plants with high survival rates, so their grafting is also relatively easy. Quickly join the cut scion with the rootstock incision, press firmly, and squeeze out the air bubbles inside. Generally, the rootstock and scion stick together through the action of their sap. At this point, you only need to use something to secure them in place.

5. Care management after grafting

After grafting, water moderately, and be careful not to splash water on the joint when watering. Place the plant in a shaded area and avoid direct sunlight.

Other succulent propagation methods

I. Sowing

Succulents can also be obtained through propagation by sowing. Friends who want to propagate by sowing must first hand-pollinate the succulents, because among succulent plants very few are self-pollinating; the vast majority are pollinated by insects or birds. Moreover, succulent seeds have short lifespans; for example, the seeds of Pachypodium namaquanum have a lifespan of only a few weeks, so generally succulent seeds can be sown as soon as they mature.

II. Cuttings

1. Leaf cuttings

Cuttings are a relatively common method of succulent propagation. Leaf cuttings mean placing thick, fleshy leaves with strong growth vigor on a slightly moist sand bed or loose soil surface. They will soon take root, and adventitious buds will grow from the base of the leaf, forming small plants, such as Adromischus, Echeveria, and Bryophyllum daigremontianum.