A List of the 15 Easiest Succulents to Propagate

Propagating succulents is extremely fulfilling. Typically, there are four methods to propagate succulents. Propagating succulents by division can work in several varieties. Another method of propagating succulents is from leaves. Most succulent types can even be propagated by using only one leaf. Stem propagation is another method that is commonly used by a wide range of succulents. Almost all succulent species can grow from seeds, however, it requires a lot of patience. To help you in making the best decision, we will give you a list of the top 15 easiest succulents to propagate.

1. Portulacaria afra – By Stem Cuttings

The Portulacaria afra is a type of succulent that is easy to propagate. It has vibrant burgundy stems that stand solid and straight. Each stem is comprised of small round green leaves. This native plant from Africa is also known as “elephant’s food”. It’s multicolored arching stems can stretch way down below the pot. They are extremely gorgeous, making them ideal for diverse succulent plantings!

The Portulacaria is perfect if you want to learn the rules of pruning, a process wherein two new sprouts are formed at every point. This succulent is best propagated using stem cuttings.

2. Sedum clavatum – By Division

Succulent enthusiasts love to propagate Sedum clavatum since they can grow in stem cuttings, leaves, or division. Powder blue rosettes are produced densely, sometimes they go over the tip of the pot or a rock garden. They look beautiful and extremely easy to grow. Although it is one of the easiest succulents to propagate in any method, it is best to propagate them by division.

3. Sedum rubrotinctum – By Leaves

This type of succulents has jelly bean-like leaves that look magical. They can produce lemon-yellow flowers that can easily attract butterflies. This plant can quickly produce dense mats that can drop over the tip of the planters. Sedum rubrotinctum is very easy to grow.

However, there is one factor that succulent enthusiasts don’t like about this succulent. Their leaves can drop off easily, hence, you have to handle them gently. But don’t be discourage easily since this is only an indication that succulent propagation by leaves is very effective. This succulent is excellent at developing roots from a leaf. Its leaves can drop easily before its stems could break. This is a great technique that can help in filling your garden with jelly beans!

4. Aeonium Kiwi – By Stem Cuttings

If you are a succulent grower, then you will love everything about Aeonium Kiwi. Their colorful leaves will form into rosettes. The leaves are pale yellow at the center, then it gradually changes into green as it gets on the outside. Their leaves have red edges and they produce yellow flowers during the summer. Its rosettes are thick enough to cover its stems. Aeonium Kiwi is very easy to grow and can be quickly propagated using its stems.

5. Crassula muscosa – By Division

This succulent is also referred to as the watch chain. They have fine leaves stacked on their stems. These leaves measure 4 to 8 inches tall and they form into thick mats of foliage. They look fascinating when mixed with other succulents. Crassula muscosa loves to stay in shady spots, but they can also thrive indoors. They are the perfect succulent variety to practice propagation by division.

6. Graptoveria Fred Ives – By Leaves

The leaves of this succulent are so gorgeous. Its rosettes can reach a height of 12 inches with a width of 8 inches. They are extremely easy to grow and can thrive even in poor conditions. Graptoveria Fred Ives is the perfect succulent for beginners and greatly adored by expert succulent growers. This plant can grow faster and easier to propagate as well. Although it is best to propagate them by leaves, they can also be propagated by stem cuttings.

7. Graptopetalum paraguayense – By Leaves

This succulent can grow easily and rapidly. Graptopetalum paraguayense will produce opalescent white rosettes, that is why they are also known as the ghost plant. They are also one of the fastest and the easiest to propagate. They have long stems that will lean over with these sophisticated rosettes. Although they can be easily propagated by leaves, yet they can also be grown by stem cuttings. Graptopetalum paraguayense can truly make you fall in love!

8. Sempervivum/Jovibarba – By Division

Two of the easiest succulents to propagate using division are Sempervivum and Jovibarba. Baby plants are formed around each plant and they are connected by a stem. The baby plants, also known as the chicks, surround the mother plants, also known as the hens. Thus, it is commonly referred to as the “hens and chicks” succulents.

Once the baby plants have grown into its decent size, then you can take off the stem and place the baby plants on dry soil. Eventually, its roots will appear soon, and they can form into new plants. This is the principle of succulent propagation by division. These beautiful rosettes can look colorful throughout the year and they are super cold-hardy too!

9. Sedum moriganianum – By Leaves

Have you tried propagating succulents from leaves? If not, then you should try it with Sedum moriganianum. They are one of the easiest succulents to propagate using its leaves. They look stunning and very easy to propagate as well. This succulent variety forms oscillating stems of fleshy leaves. They are commonly known as donkey’s tail or burros tail. Its color and texture will contrast gorgeously when mixed with other varieties of succulents.

You must be careful in handling this plant since its leaves will snap off too easily. However, this is just a good sign that this succulent can be propagated easily by its leaves. When the leaves fall off, they will produce roots and begin to grow into new plants. You can gather these fallen leaves and put them on a container filled with cactus soil. In just a few weeks, the leaves will start to form roots and new succulent plants will start to emerge.

Sedum moriganianum can also be propagated by stem cuttings. These plants can look great when placed on a hanging basket. They are very easy to care for too!

10. Crassula ovata – By Stem Cuttings

The famous jade plant, Crassula ovata, is very easy to grow and propagate using its stem cuttings. It is best both for indoors and outdoors. If you put them inside or in shade, their leaves can turn into emerald green. On the other hand, when they are exposed to the sun, the leaves can develop into a pale green with red margins. They truly look magnificent with their starry white flowers which can appear in fall or winter. Crassula ovata is another exceptional option for beginners as well as for experts.

11. Kalanchoe daigremontiana – By Division

The Kalancho daigremontiana has a unique way of developing. Baby succulents or small offsets will grow on the tips of the leaves. Every baby succulent can develop aerial roots. All you have to do is grab a baby succulent and drop them on the soil, then they can grow into a new plant. It’s very easy. However, these plants are considered as aggressive species in places with mild climates such as Florida.

12. Echeveria – By Leaves

Among all succulents, Echeveria is one of the most popular and the easiest succulents to propagate using their leaves. They can generate wonderful rosettes in different shapes and colors. Echeveria ‘Lola’ is a favorite among succulent growers because they look elegant. Although these succulents can also be propagated by cutting their stems, this is only ideal for etiolated succulents. But when it comes to healthy succulents, you can propagate them using their leaves so you can obtain lots of baby echeverias.

13. Aloe Vera – By Leaves and Pups

Aloe vera is not only a famous succulent, but it is also a common houseplant. Aside from leaves, they can also be propagated from offshoots. Most often, they can also be reproduced by forming offspring “pups”. Ultimately, they can be extracted and planted as a new plant. Leaf propagation is a great choice, but it requires a lot of patience. Consequently, it also has a low success rate.

One of the easiest ways of propagating aloe vera is to extract its pups. When removing the pup, you have to get rid of the dirt around the base. Once the pup has already established its roots, then you can remove and repot them.

In cutting the pup, you have to use a clean knife. You have to be very careful so the roots can remain intact. Put the pup in a container filled with cactus soil and be sure that it has good drainage. Put this in a place where there is a sufficient amount of sunlight.

14. Senecio rowleyanus – By Stem Cuttings

Also known as string of pearls, this variety of succulent might be finicky to grow but they are very easy to propagate. All you have to do is cut a stem of about four inches long, then put them in a container filled with soil. Be sure to place them in the shade or away from direct sunlight. Also, avoid overwatering them. After a few weeks or months, your stem should be able to stand firmly.

15. Graptosedum – By Leaves and Stem Cuttings

Commonly referred to as “California Sunset”, this succulent can propagate easily using its leaves and stem cuttings. As they get bigger, they can form elegant clumps of rosettes. Moreover, they can generate two to three rosettes on every leaf that you propagate. Although, it may require a bit of sunlight so it can retain its red color. Once they are fully grown, you need to place them in bright light throughout the day.

Which of these succulents is your favorite? Or did you discover something new that you should try? If you don’t want to get some cuttings and leaves from your plants, then you can purchase them from garden shops.

At Eden Succulents, you can find different sources on where to get cuttings or leaves. We can also give you some advice on how to grow your succulents successfully. If you have any questions, then you can leave a comment below. We’d be happy to help.