Many cacti and succulents develop roots from their own leaves and in this way new plants are produced.
In this article I will demonstrate how to propagate succulents from leaf cuttings.
This propagation method is quick and easy and ideal for beginners as it requires no advanced knowledge or special equipment.
In this article
Propagate succulents from leaves
This is one of the simplest and most fascinating propagation methods, it can produce rooted plants in just a few weeks.
Always select fleshy and fully developed leaves that are not damaged or show signs of disease.
When is the best time to propagate succulents from leaves
The best time to make new succulents from leaves is in the spring when temperatures are rising.
Lower temperatures slow down the process and may reduce the success rate.
In this article I will use a plant (Echeveria) that is very compacted in its pot.
It began to drop some leaves around the vase which were already developing roots.
Take the leaves from the succulent
Choose a mature, fleshy leaf near the bottom of the plant’s stem.
Pull the leaf down firmly to separate it, ensuring the leaf comes off the stem intact and complete.
Repeat until you have as many leaves as you want to propagate.
Let the leaf form callus
Place the leaves on a tray with sand (as I did here) or a piece of cardboard (how I propagated my sedum) and keep them in a warm, dry area, bright but out of direct sunlight.
Wait a few weeks to allow the base of each leaf to form a callus and begin to develop roots and new leaves. Do not water or spray during this time.
Plant each succulent leaf
After 5 weeks, I can already see new shoots growing on some of the leaves. Now is the time to plant these leaves, even the ones that haven’t sprouted yet.
I filled a pot with a nutrient-poor compost that drains very well (ideally use proper cacti compost).
With a chopstick, I carefully lift each baby plant.
And I plant it, burying the roots that formed.
Tip: If the succulent you are propagating has large leaves, use a chopstick to hold them in place and prevent them from moving while the roots develop in the compost.
Water the new succulents
Water the new succulents and keep the compost slightly moist as they develop in this early stage.
The original leaf will die as the new plant develops. When it has completely withered, it can be removed.
The result 6 months later…
6 months have passed since I planted each leaf and how they have grown! We already have new succulent plants, with fully developed rosettes.
Now I can plant them individually to make them grow even bigger. The process is simple, lift each plant with a chopstick.
And plant them in individual pots, again in compost with good drainage. And that’s it!
It is very easy to propagate succulent plants this way and multiply these beauties.
Have you tried this method? With what species? Share your experience or leave your questions. Thanks!
