Because succulents are such hardy plants, you can actually plant a piece of one and it will develop into a new plant. It may sound like a horror film or the premise of an upcoming science fiction drama on Netflix, but it’s truly possible to regenerate something new from a severed limb. Even if one of its branches is cut off, they will still manage to survive.
Yes, you can prune or cut off a section of a succulent and plant it elsewhere. The clipped succulent piece will adapt to its new home and develop into a full-fledged succulent with the right growing circumstances.
If you want to learn more about pruning succulents, keep reading. It’s like getting numerous plants for the price of one if you get the technique down!
Can you take the stem off a succulent and transplant it?
I make a lot of movies and posts about succulents because I have a lot of them in my yard. They are perennial gifts, so to speak. You can simply cut them to acquire more.
Because the vast majority of succulents spread in the same manner, I wanted to write one post that you could refer to whenever I write about a particular succulent. These are the two incredibly simple methods.
Let me demonstrate how to grow succulents:
I usually divide succulents using stem cuttings. Ensure the sharpness and cleanliness of your pruners. Simply trim the stems to the desired length, remove the bottom third of the leaves, and then wait 2 weeks to 4 months before planting them to heal off (the cut end of the stem will callus over).
I either plant them straight in the ground or in a pot with planting mix for succulents and cacti. I use one that is made nearby; it’s also good. Succulents require a loose mixture so that the water can drain completely and prevent rot.
I rarely use individual leaf cuttings to propagate succulents, but it’s still simple. Lay the leaf on top of the mixture after removing it from the stem, making sure to remove the entire leaf all the way to the stem. Off the cut end, there will be a new plantlet.
I suppose I could propagate succulents in my sleep because I do it so frequently! Although many succulents make excellent houseplants, mine all grow outside. If you have just one or two of these bizarre plants, you can easily grow more using these simple methods.
Aloe Vera must be multiplied by division, which involves removing the pups from the mother plant.
Can a stem be used to grow a succulent?
All plants can be propagated using these techniques, not just succulents. Stem cutting propagation is the simplest technique that works with the most succulent kinds. We’ll concentrate on this approach today. Leaf division and propagation have been discussed in previous posts.
Propagating Succulents from Stem Cuttings
Certain stem tissues of succulent plants have a sort of mystical quality. Some of the plant’s cells, namely those found where the stem and leaf meet, have extraordinary abilities. Depending on the needs of the plant, these cells can create various forms of growth. These cells develop roots if the need for water is the greatest. These cells create leaves if the plant needs to capture sunlight in order to convert it into nutrition. These immature cells constitute the “meristem.” Plants’ meristem tissue, pronounced mehr-i-stem, comprises identical plant tissue. Meristem cells in plants resemble stem cells in animals in certain ways.
What happens if a branch from a plant that is growing in nature breaks off and falls to the ground? When a succulent branch falls, it frequently sprouts roots from its meristem tissues that penetrate the earth to hydrate the surviving leaves. It eventually develops into a whole new, self-sustaining plant. The practice of propagating plants via stem cuttings makes use of this trait. It takes a piece of a plant’s stem that was producing leaves and convinces it to produce roots instead.
Taking Stem Cuttings for Succulent Propagation
One of my favorite succulents is Portulacaria afra, along with several of its variegated relatives. Additionally, they are excellent for showing off stem cutting propagation! Check out how many of the stems have their own little stems. This provides you with numerous chances to get stem cuttings to take root.
When taking your cuttings, make sure to use clean, sharp pruners. It aids in preventing bacterial contamination and unneeded stress for the cutting process. Any excellent, sharp pair of trimming scissors will do; but, my titanium coated ones are my absolute favorite.
Any one of these cuttings can be rooted. The meristem tissue and a whole, healthy leaf are all that are really required. But you’ll discover that cuttings between 2 and 4 inches long with two sets of nodes for rooting and two sets of leaves will root most quickly and easily. By removing the leaves from the stem, you can reveal a node or see one:
Are the two sets of nodes on this cutting visible to you? Every node is a location where new roots can grow. So you will have at least 4 roots locations with 2 sets of nodes (assuming each set has a node on each side of the stem, which is how this portulacaria grows). This new plant will have a sufficient amount of roots at four rooting locations to absorb moisture and secure the plant in place. It’s crucial to maintain the rooting zone’s proportionality with the area of your cutting that will become the next plant’s top growth. The cutting will continue to receive moisture and nutrients from the strong leaves as it starts to root.
Remember to root the end of your cuttings that was lower on the plant when it was growing as well. It is crucial to root the cutting from the point that was lower than the end that would keep its leaves since plants have a rigorous sense of up from down. This is simple to determine with a single stem. When a plant has developed several branches, you will refer to the end of the stem that is closest to the stem from which it originated as the main stem “down. The direction of the leaves typically indicates which portion of the stem should be pointed “to root, one must go down. As you collect your cuttings, observe if the plant you are getting cuttings from is unclear.
Lay the cuttings out in the proper orientation as you take them. Leaves you remove should be saved for leaf reproduction! After I cut my cuttings, I place them on a flat of quickly draining succulent soil out of the sun for a few days. This increases their risk of developing calluses, which lowers the possibility of rot in the future.
Insert the root end of the stem cuttings into the dry succulent soil after two to three days have passed. Give them some room, but don’t worry about crowding them because they won’t mature here. After placing them in the dry soil, bring them back to a location that is not in the direct sun but receives indirect light. After about two weeks, thoroughly spray the soil. Continue misting the well once a week going forward.
Most succulent cultivars can be multiplied successfully from stem cuttings. This aeonium kiwi branch can be divided into several cuttings, one for each rosette. Rooting many plants from which you want to obtain cuttings in the same flat is simple.
Another cultivar that grows well from stem cuttings is Crassula ovata. The nodes are still extremely visible despite having a very different appearance from that of the aeonium and portulacaria. At each node point are the lines encircling the stem. You can separate this branch into multiple stem cuttings.
You have now collected all of your cuts. They were left for two to three days on top of dry, sun-free succulent soil. After placing them in the ground, you let them dry for an additional two weeks. The earth was then thoroughly misted. For a while, keep thoroughly misting the soil once a week. Make sure to examine your cuttings carefully each time. You’ll notice that the leaves are starting to wrinkle and dry out a little bit. The succulent plant needs water because of this. This encourages the growth of roots when the succulent needs water. The leaves will eventually look better and swell out a little more. They can now take up water, which indicates that they have started to root. Yay! It’s so thrilling! When a cutting is gently pulled and there is resistance, it has roots. Here, a forked root is visible, and new, tiny roots are also growing. This little one needs to be planted and gradually exposed to more light.
How Long Does Succulent Propagation Take?
Most of the year, propagating succulents from stem cuttings can be done successfully. The length of time from cutting to rooting depends on the season, amount of daylight, temperature, type of succulent, etc. This process takes time. But it is trustworthy. Plan to get them if you know you will require a certain quantity of succulent plants at a specific period. However, propagating them is a terrific method to grow your collection. If you don’t mind getting cuttings instead of rooted plants, you can also find some great deals online. Succulent cuttings are available from certain top-notch suppliers, and they can be used in crafts or as a less expensive alternative to buying plants.
I have dabbled with plant propagation on numerous occasions over the past 25 years. Aspirin, willow bark water, rooting hormones, and nothing at all have all been utilized by me. The hormone powder is helpful for my particularly obstinate, woody plants. But from what I can gather, it just does not appear to matter for succulents. Why spend money on something you don’t really need?
The vast majority of succulent species, including Echeveria, Aeonium, Graptoveria, Crassula, Kalanchoe, Delosperma, Euophorbia, Portulacaria, Sedum, Senecio, Peperomia, and more, can be propagated from stem cuttings. Essentially, this method can be used to successfully propagate any succulent that is made up of a stem and leaves. What plant will you start with first now that you are knowledgeable about reproducing succulents from stem cuttings? I hope you can’t wait to get going. Please let me know if you have any questions; I’m happy to help!
P.S. Subscribe if you’d like my free course, “7 Steps to Succulent Success”! Thanks a lot!
P.P.S. Would you consider joining my Facebook group for cactus lovers? We discuss design, identification, propagation, and care of succulents. They’re a friendly bunch who would love to meet you!
Can succulent cuttings be planted directly in the ground?
What is there to love other than a succulent? Obviously, a full garden of succulents! Fortunately for us, it’s simple to propagate a variety of these resilient, vibrant plants at home. We can’t wait to see succulents growing all year long in containers around the house and garden; there are various easy ways to reproduce them.
Propagating by Division: Plants that have gotten too leggy perform best with this method, which produces new succulents from cuttings. Start by delicately removing any leaves that may be attached to the stem below the rosette; be sure to preserve the leaf’s base while you do so. After all the leaves have been eliminated, cut the rosette with shears, leaving a brief stem intact. The cuttings should be let to dry in an empty tray for a few days until the raw ends have calloused. The cuttings can then be rooted in either water or soil.
Soil: After the stems have calloused, set the cuttings on top of a shallow tray filled with well-draining cactus/succulent soil. From the base of the cuttings, roots and little plants will start to emerge in a few weeks. Once the roots start to show, water sparingly once a week; take care not to overwater. The parent leaf will eventually wither; carefully remove it while taking care not to harm the young roots. Your propagated succulents can be replanted once they have established roots. As soon as the plants are established, keep them out of direct sunlight.
Water: After the stem has calloused, place a cutting with the end barely visible above the water’s surface on the lip of a glass or jar filled with water. Pick a sunny location for your glass. The incision will eventually produce roots that extend toward the water. Once roots have sprouted, your new succulent can either be replanted in succulent potting soil or allowed to remain submerged in water as illustrated above.
Offsets are little plants that develop at the base of the main specimen, and many species of succulents, such as aloe, hens and chicks, and some cacti, will generate them. Check for root growth after an offset has developed for two to three weeks before carefully twisting, cutting, or using a sharp knife to separate it from the main stem. Be cautious to prevent destroying any already-formed roots. Follow the directions above for propagating in soil or water, letting the offsets dry, establish roots, and then repot when they have had time to callus any exposed regions. Removing offsets has the added benefit of enhancing the health of your current succulents and redirecting energy into the growth of the primary plant.
A broken succulent can be replanted, right?
Succulents are a preferred option for many individuals due to their hardiness as a plant. Given the correct conditions, it can develop new roots, and it is much simpler to propagate than other plants. In fact, succulents can develop on their own if the soil is sufficiently damp! Sadly, it doesn’t always happen, therefore you have to foster a favorable climate for it to flourish.
Succulents are tough plants, but it doesn’t make them unbreakable or immune to damage. There are many things that can harm these plants; anything from neglect to over-care can result in fading, tension, or injury. Since I’m very certain that you already have a broken succulent on your hands, let’s fix it first before moving on.
Method #1: Leaves Falling Off
When leaves begin to fall, for example, we can say that a succulent is broken. There are a number of causes behind it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t save your plant. Falling leaves are actually just the beginning for a new succulent—how it’s they spread. It will develop into a new plant if you simply provide the right conditions for it to flourish.
Gather the leaves as soon as you notice them starting to fall from the plant and store them away for three days. The only way for the leaves to establish roots is through this process, which makes it essential. To place these leaves, you’ll also need a fresh pot and cactus soil. As long as it has adequate drainage to drain excess water from the soil, any container will work.
Succulents require moisture in the soil to flourish, so keep that in mind. However, this does not obligate you to water the plant in the pot to the same extent as you would other plants. Injurious amounts of water can inhibit new roots from forming on leaves. You only need a tiny bit of moisture. It should be sufficient to spray the surface every other day to produce the ideal conditions for succulents to flourish.
Here is a simple instruction to showing you how to use a damaged succulent’s dropping leaves to salvage it:
Unfortunately, not all succulents are created equal, and not all of them can be multiplied using leaves. Only those who possess a Stonecrop or Copperleaf can use this technique. You cannot utilize fallen leaves to grow Aeoniums or Sansevieria. You must remove a fresh leaf from the stalk if these are the plants you have. You can just plant it on a cup filled with damp soil rather than letting it dry out.
The steps are the same, but you’ll employ the leaves in a different way. Some succulents must get callused before they can develop roots, while others are resilient enough to continue to thrive even after being cut and replanted. Making sure that the soil has the right amount of moisture—neither too little nor too much—is essential if you want to effectively propagate succulents.
The leaves will drop off even with careful maintenance. Because certain succulents need it for reproduction, it is typical. You don’t need to worry about it, but it would be better to take good care of it to promote its development. Simply check that the soil can absorb enough moisture, the container you’re using has sufficient drainage, and you’re only giving it little quantities of water every few days.
Method #2: Stem Decapitated
You can’t always utilize fallen leaves to keep a succulent branch from breaking off. Even some plants cannot spread through the leaves. If you’re taking care of a succulent that looks similar, you might need to cut off a stem from the plant and utilize it to sprout another one. However, it won’t enough to just remove the stem and plant it in a new container.
If your plant utilizes a stem to reproduce, you must first cut off a portion of the stem and store it until it becomes calloused. The new roots will form in this area. Even in the ideal conditions for succulents to develop, your stem will just wither away without this callused portion.
The stem will develop a callus in just three days, at which point you can bury it in cactus soil. Unfortunately, establishing roots from a succulent that has had its head taken off takes time. It moves at an agonizingly slow pace. It requires a lot of patience because you could not even see effects for a few weeks, and some things might even take months to take root!
Another essential step when using a cut-off stem is to ensure that it doesn’t receive direct sunlight—instead, it needs indirect sunlight. In addition, you should wait three weeks before watering or spraying anything into the soil’s surface. To begin forming roots, the stem must go through this procedure.
You can repot the plant in a better container with sufficient drainage after the stem begins to develop roots. You have now successfully salvaged a broken-off succulent and can resume your regular succulent maintenance. There are still some things you can do to save the old plant, so don’t worry.
Method #3: Leaves Cut in Half
What if the leaf is sliced in half? is the most frequent query I receive. Yes, a fallen leaf with the portion still attached to the stem can develop roots. Roots can also form on the plant stem that has been severed. But if the portion of the leaf attached to the stem is already rotting or has entirely dried out, will it still be able to produce roots?
As you are aware, succulents have a special quality that enables them to develop roots even when the stem-connected portion is already decomposing. Although you must get rid of the rotten component, the procedure is identical to producing roots from leaves. It may even take a month or two for the leaf to begin producing roots because of how long this process takes.
The quickest approach to save your succulent, no matter how long it takes, is to create a new one from the pieces of a broken one. At initially, these new succulents won’t need a lot of maintenance. It will be simple for you to save a broken-off succulent if your soil meets the requirements. Some people are even starting farms utilizing the methods I’ve shared with you!