In case you wished to propagate your own plants, we will start by explaining how to cut your succulents or cacti. What kind of cuttings you take will depend on the kind of succulent or cactus that you are cutting. While some plants can spread by a leaf, others require real cuttings to increase their size.
It’s crucial to obtain the full leaf, all the way up to the stem, if you’re trying to propagate utilizing a leaf. Your leaf will probably die if it is chopped or breaks off before the stem. Just twist the leaf to remove it from the stem; be sure to remove the entire leaf.
Use sharp scissors or pruning shears if you’re taking a full cutting to propagate your succulent. Just above a leaf, cut the stem. You have a choice of taking your cutting from the succulent’s stem or an offshoot.
What you cut for cactus cuttings depends depend on the kind of cactus you have. If the pads on your cactus are growing, pick a mature pad—not a tiny one at the top—and clip it. You should clip a columnar cactus a few inches from the top if you have one. Try to select a thinner stem for columnar cacti as they will root more quickly than thicker ones. You should make your cut as straight as you can.
Where are succulents cut?
What kind of cuttings you can take from your succulent will depend on its genus and species. For instance, cuttings or leaves can be used to reproduce the majority of delicate Sedums and some Echeverias. Nevertheless, I utilize leaves for each.
Simply twist a leaf off the stem gently to remove it for propagation. Make certain that the draw is clean and leaves nothing on the stem. In fact, it’s okay to remove a small portion of the stem as well.
Make sure you get all the way down to the stem because every time I’ve broken off a leaf before the stem, it has always died. As you take the leaf off, it helps to have a clear view of the leaf’s base.
It’s a really cheap method to begin a collection of new plants, plus it’s a lot of fun to grow succulents from seed to baby plant to plant!
How to take a cutting for propagation
On the other side, you’ll need sharp scissors or pruning shears to make a cut (I use these and adore them!). Just above a leaf on the stalk, cut off a bit of the succulent.
The succulent’s top can be removed, or you can remove a fresh branch. Both will function!
Take Cuttings From a Healthy Plant
Using a sharp knife or pruners, remove a 3- to 6-inch-long piece from a healthy part of the parent plant’s stem. Make the cut at a 45-degree angle. The amount of space available for roots to grow will be increased by this angled cut. Take cuttings from the plant’s most recent growth if you can.
At least two or three sets of leaves should be present along the length of each cutting. Make sure the cutting has at least one buryable growth node, which is a bump on the stem from which leaves or flowers shoot. Both from this node and the stem’s cut end, roots will begin to grow.
It is best to take at least three cuttings in order to guarantee success because it is fairly uncommon for some propagation attempts to fail. Woody plants are notoriously fickle, so it’s a good idea to take six or more cuttings.
Trim the Leaves and Apply Rooting Hormone
Eliminate the leaves from the stem cutting’s bottom node. Typically, you can just snap the leaves off. Make sure to keep three to four leaves on the stem cutting at all times.
Applying a powdered or gel rooting hormone to the cutting’s trimmed end and the region where the leaves were removed is an optional step. (Many plants may root from cuttings successfully without the application of rooting hormone, although it can speed up the process and may even be necessary for some difficult-to-propagate plants.) When employing a powdered hormone, moistening the stem before rolling it in the powder works well. Simply dunk the cutting end into the hormone if you’re using gel hormone.
Plant the Cuttings
Seed-starter mix or vermiculite can be used as a soilless potting media to prepare a planting tray or small pots. Use a pencil to make a hole in the medium. After that, place the growing medium around the end of each cutting and lightly tamp the mixture to hold the cutting upright.
Tend the Cuttings
Place the cuttings where they will receive a 50/50 mixture of shade and dappled sunlight because most plants will not thrive in full sunlight. Cuttings from most plants benefit from warmth and humidity, and while roots are forming, the growing media should be kept evenly moist but not soggy.
Check the cuttings for new leaf growth and developing roots every two weeks. Pinch off any flower buds or blossoms that form. Root development will be aided by new leaves, while flowers take energy away from root growth.
Some plant species will need special care in order for their cuttings to take root. For some tropical plants, it could be advised to put the pot and cutting inside a loosely wrapped plastic bag to raise the humidity level. Or, for warmth-loving plants, you might need to place the pot and cutting during the rooting phase in an area that is especially warm or on a heating mat. Always do your research into the specific requirements of the plant species you are trying to grow.
Transfer the Cuttings
When you notice fresh leaf growth along the cutting’s stem, it typically indicates that strong, new roots have begun to take root. When you can slightly tug on a cutting and feel resistance, the roots are sufficiently established. The cutting can now be moved to a brand-new container with brand-new potting soil. To remove the rooted cutting and transfer it to its new pot, use a small trowel or a large kitchen spoon.
Tip
As the stems root, remove any discolored or blackened leaves. Any cuttings that become mushy or exhibit other rot or fungal disease symptoms should be discarded since they will eventually succumb to the disease.
Can you plant a stem from a succulent?
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.
Where do I find tall succulents to cut?
A succulent cannot return to its original compact height and shape once it has been stretched out. But don’t worry!
Start by using good-quality scissors to trim off the succulent’s top (I adore this pair so much! Definitely worth every cent! Leave 2-3 leaves on the base for at least an inch or two. If you leave a few leaves on the base to absorb sunlight, the base will thrive.
I’ve seen bare stems produce new offshoots, but it takes a lot longer than when I leave a few leaves on the stem. You can trim some of the stem to shorten the cutting if the cutting (the top portion you cut off) is too long for your taste.
Allow the base and the cutting to dry for a few days. You can plant the cutting in soil and start watering it once the cut end has calloused over (totally dried out and appears “scabbed”).
Cuttings do, in my experience, require a little bit more frequent watering than a fully rooted plant. To prevent the stem from becoming too soggy and rotting, use a soil that has a really good drainage system. Here is more information on how to grow succulents from cuttings.
Within a few days, maybe, but most probably within two to three weeks, the cutting should begin to give off roots. You should reduce watering as the roots take hold in order to put the plant on the same “schedule” as fully rooted plants.
Within a few weeks, the base, or original plant, will begin to produce additional offshoots. This plant can still be taken care of in the same manner as before the cut.
The leaves you initially left on the base plant can eventually wilt or drop off. Although highly common, this won’t always occur.
But if they do come off, don’t panic! Without the “parent leaves,” the young rosettes will still be able to develop.
How do I take a cutting from a succulent?
Any room with adequate lighting gains dimension and color from succulents. The best part is that once you have one succulent, you may generate your own baby succulents by growing numerous additional plants from cuttings.
Everything you need to know about growing succulents from cuttings, including how frequently to water them, the best soil, and indoor growing techniques, is provided here.
Here’s how
Step 1: Carefully separate a leaf from the main stem where it is fastened. The leaf should separate completely and cleanly. Alternately, you might neatly chop off a piece of the stem.
Step 2: After 2-3 days, until a callus forms over the end of the cutting or leaf, place it in a bright area.
Step 3: Once produced, you may either lay flat on the ground and watch it grow or plant it directly into the ground (callus first). When erratic weather knocks off leaves, new puppies often emerge from the discarded leaves in this manner.
Step 4: In a container that is protected from the elements but has a fresh airflow, submerge the cutting or leaf’s root in 1 centimeter of water. Create a lattice with rubber bands if you’re using leaves to help them stand upright.
Step 5) Wait until roots and baby succulents start to form. Small, pink strands will appear to be the roots.
Step 6) After the roots reach a length of 1-2 cm, remove the plant from the water and place it in a container with drainage holes and succulent potting soil. Drink water as needed.
Where to plant succulents
Succulents prefer full sun and can be grown indoors as well as outside in terrariums and pots. Keep them in a bright area with plenty of light, and consult the plant label for the best growing conditions.
Succulents may grow in almost any type of container. Make sure the container has adequate drainage and area for the roots to spread, and choose a specialty potting soil, frequently offered as a succulent and cactus mix. Check out this article to learn how to grow them in fun places like old frames, shells, bowls, and other containers besides just pots.