Propagating Succulents From Leaves and Cuttings

One of the best things about succulents is how easily many of them multiply. From a single plant you can grow dozens more for free. Late spring and early summer, when plants are actively growing, is the perfect time to try.

Method 1: Leaf propagation

Works well for echeveria, graptopetalum, sedum, pachyphytum and many jade plants.

1. Gently twist a healthy leaf from the stem. It must come off cleanly with the base intact — a torn leaf will not root.
2. Lay leaves on a tray or plate in a bright spot out of direct sun for 2–5 days until the end calluses over.
3. Place them on top of dry succulent mix. Do not bury them.
4. Mist the soil lightly every few days once tiny roots or a rosette appear.
5. When the mother leaf shrivels completely, the new plant is ready to pot.

Patience is required: it can take several weeks to see roots and months to grow a decent plant.

Method 2: Stem cuttings

Best for stretched or leggy plants, as well as aeonium, crassula, kalanchoe and trailing sedums.

1. Cut a healthy stem with clean scissors, leaving a few inches of stem below the rosette.
2. Remove lower leaves so there is bare stem to plant.
3. Let the cut end callus for 3–7 days.
4. Insert into dry succulent mix and wait about a week before the first light watering.

The original stem often sprouts new rosettes where it was cut — a bonus.

Method 3: Offsets (pups)

Aloe, haworthia, sempervivum, agave and many cacti produce small offsets around their base. Once a pup is about a third the size of the parent and has some roots of its own, separate it with a clean knife, let it dry for a day or two and pot it up.

Tips for success

• Use only healthy, well-hydrated plants.
• Bright, indirect light is best for new propagations; strong sun burns them.
• Do not overwater. Rot is the most common cause of failure.
• Label everything — baby succulents all look alike.

Start your collection with plants from our succulent shop.