How to Propagate Succulents

Written by Nikita Ross
Updated: August 7, 2023
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Succulents are easy-to-care-for indoor plants that are simple to replicate through propagation. Some succulent owners use propagation to share their plants with others, while some prefer this approach to expand their indoor gardens. It’s also an effective way to course-correct plants that are lagging or struggling in some way. 

There are several ways to propagate succulents. Here is an in-depth look at how to choose your propagation method with step-by-step instructions.

Flapjack plants are succulents that are easy to grow and propagate.

Certain succulents, like the flapjack plant (pictured) are both easy to care for and propagate.

©iStock.com/Marco Ritzki

Types of Succulent Propagation

There are three overarching methods for propagating succulents. Choosing the proper method depends on the type of succulent you’re propagating, as there are over 180 varieties with unique features and care requirements.

Leaf Propagation

Leaf propagation entails taking a healthy leaf from the parent plant and rooting it to create a new plant. This approach works well for succulents like the echeveria or the burro’s tail. The leaf cutting is left to callous over, then rooted in soil or water to promote new growth.

Stem Cuttings

Stem cuttings are the optimal propagation method for stemmed succulents like the aeonium or elephant bush. Leaf cuttings tend to be less successful with these succulents. You may also choose this method if one of your other succulents, such as the echeveria, is getting leggy.

This method entails using sharp scissors to cut the stem of a succulent underneath the head of the plant. As with the leaf-cutting process, the stem is left to callous over then rooted in soil or water to promote new growth.

Stem cuttings are the easiest way to propagate the dolphin succulent.

Stem cuttings, as shown here on the dolphin succulent, is an easy way to propagate your succulents.

©iStock.com/Bilal photos

Propagating Offsets

Some succulents — notably the aloe plant — produce offsets when well cared for. These offsets are sometimes called offshoots or pups. No cutting is required for this method. Instead, you’ll separate the pups and repot them to ensure space for adequate growth.

How to Leaf Propagate Succulents

To propagate succulents from leaves, start by identifying the healthiest leaves on your plant. The best leaves for propagation will be plump and well-hydrated. Generally, leaves toward the top of your succulent (newer growth) are preferable to those at the bottom.

Gently pull the leaves from the succulent with a slight twist or wiggle to disconnect it without causing harm. You need the whole leaf with nodes for successful propagation. If there’s anything left on the stem, it’s unlikely your cutting will take.

Consider taking a few leaves to increase your chances of success. Even seemingly healthy leaves don’t always root.

Propagating in Soil

Soil propagation is the preferred method for succulent leaf cuttings. Here’s a step-by-step approach to this method. 

Step One: Prepare the Cutting

Let your leaf cuttings dry on a windowsill for 3-5 days. This allows the edge that was connected to the stem to callous over and prepare for rooting.

Once the cuttings have calloused over, consider dipping the calloused edge in rooting hormone. This optional step can help promote faster growth.

Step Two: Root the Cuttings

Lay the leaf cuttings flat on top of loose potting soil, sprinkling a bit over the calloused edge. You can place new cuttings in one pot with space for initial growth.

Place the pot in indirect sunlight. While succulents tend to love the sun, the cuttings are sensitive and need diffused light. 

Moisten the soil every 1-2 days with a mister or light sprinkle of water. While many succulents prefer drought settings, extra moisture is needed during the propagation phase. 

Step Three: Transfer the Cuttings

After 3-4 weeks, check for root growth. If they aren’t visible from the top of the pot, brush away some dirt for a closer look. Cover any exposed roots with soil to prevent them from drying out.

Another 2-3 weeks after you see root growth, you should notice new buds forming around the calloused edge of the leaf. Don’t panic if the leaf-cutting starts to wither away; this is part of the process.

Once the new bud is established, transplant your new succulents to individual pots with cactus soil. 

Propagating in Water

There’s a significant amount of controversy surrounding propagating succulents in water. While succulents are prone to root rot and drought tolerance, the early life stages differ. Many indoor gardeners find success using water propagation for succulent cuttings.

Step One: Prepare the Cuttings

Let your leaf cuttings dry on a windowsill for 3-5 days. This allows the edge that was connected to the stem to callous over and prepare for rooting.

Once the cuttings have calloused over, consider dipping the calloused edge in rooting hormone. This optional step can help promote faster growth.

Step Two: Root the Cuttings

Fill a dish 3/4 of the way with water and cover it with plastic wrap. Punch small holes in the plastic wrap that allow the end of your cuttings to poke through without falling into the water below.

Place the calloused leaf cuttings in the plastic wrap, letting the ends rest just above the water.

Place the pot in indirect sunlight. While succulents tend to love the sun, the cuttings are sensitive and need diffused light. 

Step Three: Transfer the Cuttings

After 3-4 weeks, you should notice roots growing toward the water. Change the water when it becomes cloudy and refill to the previous level as it evaporates. 

After 2-3 more weeks, you should notice buds forming. Now you can transfer your new succulents to individual pots with well-draining cactus soil.

How to Propagate Stem Cuttings

To propagate succulents from stem cuttings, prepare a sharp, clean pair of scissors or knife. 

Next, decide the best place to cut on the stem. Cutting closer to the head of the succulent will improve rooting success and the chances of additional growth from the remaining stem and root system. Cutting too far down makes it difficult for the head to grow roots and diminishes the chances of new development on the remaining stem. 

Consider cutting just below the head, leaving a bit of stem for planting, or moving the leaves to cut between the bottom and middle of the head. The remaining leaves on the stem could become a multi-headed succulent with proper care.

Propagating in Soil

One benefit of stem cuttings over leaf cuttings is that the propagation process is straightforward.

Step One: Prepare the Stems

Let your stem cutting dry on a windowsill for 3-5 days to callous over and prepare for rooting.

Once the cutting has calloused over, consider dipping the calloused edge in rooting hormone. This optional step can help promote faster growth.

Step Two: Plant the Stems

Insert stems into individual pots in well-draining cactus soil until only the head is exposed. Moisten the soil and place the pot in direct sunlight. Water sparingly until roots are well-formed.

Let the remaining stem callous over before watering. Leave the pot in a sunny window to promote new growth.

After 4-6 weeks, you can test the roots of your new cutting by giving it a gentle pull. If you feel resistance, there are roots. 

Propagating in Water

Water propagation for succulent stems is also straightforward and similar to the leaf cutting approach.

Step One: Prepare the Stems

Let your stem cuttings dry on a windowsill for 3-5 days to callous over and prepare for rooting.

Once the cuttings have calloused over, consider dipping the calloused edge in rooting hormone. This optional step promotes faster growth.

Step Two: Root the Stems

Fill a dish 1/2 of the way with water and cover it with plastic wrap. Punch small holes in the plastic wrap that allow the end of your cuttings to poke through without falling into the water below.

Place the stems in the plastic wrap, letting the ends rest just above the water. Place the pot in a sunny window. 

Step Three: Plant the Stems

After 4-6 weeks, you should notice roots growing toward the water. Change the water when it becomes cloudy and refill to the previous level as it evaporates. 

Remove your cuttings from their propagation station and let them dry on a sunny windowsill for 2-3 days. Then, gently plant them in individual pots with cactus soil.

How to Propagate Offsets

Propagating offshoots or pups is the easiest succulent propagation method. Washing your hands before you begin and remembering to be gentle when separating pups from the parent plant is key.

Step One: Separate the Plants

Give the offset a gentle pull to see if it will come out easily, moving a bit of soil as needed. If it doesn’t budge, remove the entire plant from the pot.

Gently brush the soil away from the roots and untangle or separate the pups from the parent plant. If the offshoot is still connected to the parent plant’s root system, snip them apart with clean scissors.

Step Two: Prepare the Offsets

Let the propagated plant rest for 1-2 days to callous over and prepare for repotting. If you had to cut the roots, do the same with the parent plant.

Step Three: Plant the Offsets

Repot your parent succulent and pups in individual pots and place them in indirect sunlight for 1-2 weeks. After that period, water and move the plants to direct sunlight.

The most common mistake people make when propagating offshoots is watering them immediately. Give your new succulent time to root and establish itself before watering.

Woman transplanting Haworthia into pot at table indoors, closeup.

When it’s time to transplant your propagated succulent, good soil will provide the right amount of water, air, and nutrients for your plant thrive.

©New Africa/Shutterstock.com

Summary

Take some time to research the type of succulent you’re propagating to choose the best method for success. 

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Alice Rodnova/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Nikita Ross is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering plants, gardening, and yard care. Nikita has been writing for over seven years and holds a Marketing diploma from NSCC, which she earned in 2010. A resident of Canada, Nikita enjoys reading in her library, epic beach naps, and waiting for her Coffea arabica plant to produce coffee beans (no luck yet).

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