Propagating Succulents: How to Turn One Plant Into Hundreds of Babies

Succulents are the plants that keep on giving. In addition to being famously low-maintenance and endlessly charming, succulents will actually gift you with new plants. Propagation is the process of growing new plants from clippings or other plant parts. While many plants can propagate, succulents spawn easily and generously. To help you get started, we spoke with an expert to learn the best tips for successful succulent propagation.

Why Should You Propagate Succulents?

Propagating succulents is the best way to fill out a pot because the clippings are a lot more succulent than their mother plant. "Propagating succulents is a perfect project for beginning and advanced gardeners alike, as very little is required to yield rewarding results," says Nadine Kremblas, conservatory manager at Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, Fla. If you've noticed, succulents start to get leggy as they grow. And this is a good way to make sure your planters stay full and plump.

Another reason to propagate? It's a very nice, personal, and inexpensive present to give to friends! Whatever your reason, as Martha says, "You can get a couple hundred dollars worth of plant off of one $9 plant! It's a very smart thing to do."

When Is the Best Time to Propagate Succulents?

Propagation can be done year-round, but you'll get the best results during the spring and summer months when succulents are actively growing, advises Kremblas. Many people choose to propagate when their succulents get "leggy." As succulents age, some lose their dense, bushy shape as they reach towards the sunlight. Pruning the plant will help maintain its shape, and these cuttings can be used to produce new plants.

How to Propagate Succulents From Cuttings

There are different ways to propagate succulents. The most widely known is by taking a cutting. This method is ideal for mature succulents that have grown too tall and become leggy. Taking a good cutting is essential for setting your new succulent up for success. "To take a stem cutting, you'll always want to use a sharp, clean blade," advises Kremblas. "A clean cut gives your cutting the best chance at survival, minimizing the chance of fungus or disease."

Here's how to take and care for a cutting:

• Choose your stem: Look for fresh and actively growing stems. If you spot sprouting aerial roots—wispy, delicate roots shooting off the side of the stem—that's a good sign the plant is ready to propagate.
• Make your cut: Use a sharp blade to take your cutting just below a leaf node or aerial root.
• Let it callus: Allow the cutting to dry and form a callus for three to five days before planting. This can help prevent fungal issues.
• Plant properly: Place your cutting in a shallow container filled with a succulent potting mix. Bury the calloused end slightly in the soil without fully submerging. Whether indoors or out, the area should be warm and receive sun, but not intense light.
• Mist lightly: Avoid overwatering. Use a spray bottle to lightly mist the cutting. "Rather than watering the soil directly, it's best to just spray the ends of the cutting where the root growth is expected," says Kremblas. "Avoid saturating the soil to prevent them from rotting before rooting happens."
• Transplant when ready: Once roots have developed, plant your new succulent in the garden or a pot.

How to Propagate Succulents From Leaves

New succulents can propagate from single leaves, too. This method works best for succulent varieties with plump, fleshy leaves that are easily removed. Although it will take considerably longer to produce a full-size plant, leaf propagation sacrifices less of the "mother" plant, and each leaf can produce multiple tiny plants.

Here's how to begin:

• Choose the right leaf: Like stem cuttings, it's important to get a good leaf cutting. Select a plump, firm leaf that shows no signs of limpness.
• Remove carefully: Wiggle the leaf off the stem gently, making sure it separates cleanly at the base. "Be sure to get all the way down to where the leaf meets the stem, as a broken leaf will not propagate," warns Kremblas.
• Allow it to callus: Leaf cuttings should be allowed to dry and form a callus. This may take a few days and will prevent rot during the early stages.
• Set on soil: Place leaf cuttings directly on top of a shallow layer of succulent potting soil (do not bury) and mist with water to keep moist.
• Provide light: Keep your container in a warm area with bright, indirect light.
• Keep moist: Spray with a water bottle to mist the soil, keeping it moist but not soggy.
• Wait for pups: Within three weeks or so, the leaf cuttings will begin to sprout tiny "pup" plants. Around eight weeks, the mother leaf will wither and fall off, and your pups are ready to be planted.

How to Propagate Succulents with Offsets

Some succulents, such as hens and chicks, spread through the garden by producing pups, which are connected to the mother by delicate roots. Often, these offshoots or pups will already have their own roots and can simply be removed from the mother and potted on their own, says Kremblas. Others may need a few weeks to develop their own roots; treat these pups like stem cuttings and plant once the roots sprout. Succulents, such as echeveria, aeonium, and jade, are easy to root from pups or leaves.

How to Propagate Sucuclents in Water

Stem cuttings and offsets can be propagated in water instead of soil. This can be a good method if you only have a small space to propagate, such as a narrow shelf. After the stem cutting or offset has callused, place it in a glass or jar of water, resting the stems on the rim to suspend the plant just above the surface of the water. Over time, it will sprout roots that reach down into the water. Keep the jar in a warm area that receives partial sun. Once roots develop, your new succulent is ready to be planted.