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Reproducing succulents can be done by using the leaves, stems, offsets or seeds of a mature succulent. Succulent propagation is a very easy process, however, some types are very difficult to propagate. Here are some of the common methods of succulent propagation. You can choose any or all of them and see which method works the best.
Using Leaf Cuttings
This is one of the easiest and simplest way of propagating your succulents. All you have to do is remove a leaf from a mature succulent plant. Make sure to properly remove it so that it can grow into a new plant. It must be healthy and active too! This type of succulent propagation is perfect for succulents that have plump leaves. One great example is the echeveria. It has fleshy leaves that can be removed neatly.
If leaves are not easy to remove, then you can use a knife. Whether you want to remove the leaf with a knife or your own hands, be sure to remove the whole leaf without any damage. After removing the leaf, you have to let its wound heal naturally by placing them in a warm area that has some bright light. Once it has completely healed, then you can put them on top of a pot. The pot must be filled with soil and wet with water.
Once the soil has dried up, you have to spray the leaves with some water. It is important that you have to put them in a warm place that has lots of bright light. As much as possible try to put them away from direct sunlight. Always remember to keep them moist and warm at the same time.
After three weeks, you can see a few roots and leaves. Keep in mind that it will take a couple of months before it is ready to be placed on a separate pot. So, how do you know that it is already big enough? You have to observe the leaf, once its color turns into brown and it’s about to fall off, then it’s ready for repotting. This is an indication that the leaf does not have any nutrients anymore because they were all absorbed by the succulent.
Using Offsets
One of the best ways to expand your collection is by using offsets. By using this method, there’s not much that needs to be done since it has been done by the parent plant. Offsets, also known as pups, will emerge at the base of the mature plant. Usually, it will develop from the roots. However, for some succulents such as Pink Butterfly Kalanchoe, it can also develop on the leaves. Regardless of where you get your offsets, they can grow into new succulents.
To extract offsets that grew at the roots, you need to remove the soil until you can already see the roots. Try to pull them gradually in such a way that the roots can be seen. If the offsets are already matured, then they can grow their roots. However, if they are still attached to the parent plant, then you have to use a knife in cutting them apart. Brush away the soil from the roots and keep them in a warm place to dry up. Once it has healed then you can place them in a pot filled with soil.
Using Stem Cuttings
Reproducing via stem cuttings is perfect for succulents which formed into rosettes or have branches. This should be done when the plant is in its growth period. Select a stem that is shorter to guarantee that it can survive. Use a knife in cutting the stem from the base. In case it gets damaged during the process, then you have to get a new cutting. Let the stem heal before you place them in the pot. The pot must be placed in an area with lots of bright light. Do not put too much water in it. Its roots will probably appear in just four weeks.
When using rosette-shaped succulents, you’ll have to wait until its stem grows longer. Use a knife in cutting the stem and leave a short stem for repotting. Let it heal for a few days. Use only less water until you can see new growth appearing from the stem.
Using Seeds
Reproducing succulents by using seeds might be the easiest method, however, it is also the slowest way of growing new plants. It takes a lot of time and patience. You can only get the seeds when it has done flowering. Another option would be to buy seeds. Whatever method you choose, you should start in springtime to provide them with a long growth period.
Before placing your seeds on the planter, you have to soak them in water. Place them on top of the soil, then cover them with sand or succulent soil. Water them by using a spray bottle.
Conclusion
After knowing the different methods of propagating succulents, which method would you like to experiment with? Keep on practicing so you can become successful.
We aim to give you the best information about succulents. If you want to share your experience of propagating succulents, then you can write them in the comments below.
