2 Very Easy Ways to Propagate Succulents

I do lots of succulent videos and posts because I have a lot of them in my garden. They are the plants that keep on giving. Simply cut them, and you’ll get more.

I wanted to 1 post which you could refer to whenever I’m posting about a specific succulent because the great majority of them propagate the same way. Here are the 2 very easy ways to do it.

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Cuttings I took & gave away

Let me show you how to propagate succulents:

I most often propagate succulents by stem cuttings. Make sure your pruners are clean and sharp. Simply cut the stems to the length you want, peel the bottom 1/3 of the leaves off and then let those stems heal off (this is where the cut end of the stem callus over) for 2 weeks to 4 months before planting.

I plant them directly in the garden or in a pot with succulent and cactus planting mix. I use 1 which is produced locally – this one is good too. Succulents need a loose mix so the water can thoroughly drain out & they don’t rot.

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3 different succulent stem cuttings

I propagate succulents much less frequently by individual leaf cuttings but it’s just as easy.  Take the leaf off the stem (be sure you get the whole leaf all the way down to the stem), let it heal and then lay it on top of the mix. A new plantlet will appear off the cut end.

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you can even root leaf cuttings in a saucer

I propagate so many succulents that I think I could do it in my sleep! Mine all grow outdoors but many succulents make great houseplants. If you have 1 or 2 of these wild and wacky plants, then through these easy propagation techniques you’ll have many more.

Aloe Vera needs to be propagated by division; taking the pups off the mother plant.

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15 Comments

  1. thank you for the information. I am getting spring fever and can’t wait to dig!

  2. Sue – You’re very welcome. Just think, daylight savings time starts this weekend & the days are getting longer – spring is on the way. Happy gardening, Nell

  3. This is great info, but the video is hard to hear, even with the volume turned up all the way on the post and on my computer, EXCEPT for the minute of outdoor audio. Thanks.

  4. Hi Patty – I know! Because I’m not a full-time Youtuber, I’ve been using a camera without an external mic. I just ordered a new camera (literally an hour ago!) that I can use with a lavalier mic so the sound & picture!) will be better. Best, Nell

  5. Just found the site and is so very helpful and inspiring!
    Puts me in my happy place!
    Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge

  6. Hi Kim – It’s my pleasure to share. Plants & flowers have always put me in a happy place so I’m glad you’ve joined me there! Nell

  7. I’m 80 & trying to enjoy some lightweight indoor plants. I just lost the most beautiful little green Araila plant, due to putting it on cart with a heating vent & I’ve been sick with a head cold & sinus prob, so, it was left by the heat vent too long & totally died. I’ve got to find another as it’s the most beautiful little ALL green baby tree I’ve ever seen. How do I get proper proportions of soil to replant the next one in when I get it?

  8. Hi Shurley – Hopefully you’re feeling better now! As I always say: keep houseplants away from heating & air conditioning vents. Unfortunately you learned this the hard way. Arailas (a beautiful plant indeed) like a soil mix which is well drained & has peat moss or coco coir in it (this makes it slightly acidic). A good organic potting soil that you buy will have this in it. Make sure the mix says it’s formulated for houseplants. By the way, I keep a small amount of coco coir (a peat moss alternative) on hand so I can add a little more into the mix for plants which need it. Hope that helps! Nell

  9. Hi im brand new to succulents an have some leaves i want to propogate how long do i let them sit before setting them on soil? Thank you

  10. Hi Brittanie – Welcome to the world of succulent gardening. You can let the individual leaves heal over for anywhere from 1 – 3 days before laying them on the mix. Nell

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