Succulents have textures and shapes that differ from traditional house plants. Their diverse and visually interesting forms have caught the eye of plant lovers everywhere. These drought tolerant plants have found their way into the hearts and homes of even hard core brown thumb’s due to their easy care and low maintenance. Succulents are native […]
Choose fallen pieces that are at least two inches long if possible
Photo Credit : Shelley Wigglesworth
Succulents have textures and shapes that differ from traditional house plants. Their diverse and visually interesting forms have caught the eye of plant lovers everywhere. These drought tolerant plants have found their way into the hearts and homes of even hard core brown thumb’s due to their easy care and low maintenance.
Succulents are native to dry and sunny climates and can withstand long periods between watering. When left in their native surroundings most succulents will self propagate by producing tiny root shoots in the crevices of leaf stems near the base of the plant. These roots will eventually creep or trail out and begin producing a new generation of the plant. You can easily mimic nature’s procedure from potted succulents.
Instructions to Propagate Succulents
1. Choose a well established plant.
2. Look for appendages that have naturally fallen off or have become loose or detached from the main plant.
3. Choose fallen pieces that are at least two inches long if possible. If you are cutting from the main plant to start a new plant, look for the areas of the plant where the roots have begun to form. Snip off a small portion with root intact.
4. Gently push the very bottom (¼-½ inch) of the cut plant piece into a new pot with fresh potting soil designed for cactus and succulents. You may use regular potting soil if you substitute 1/3 of the regular potting mix with clean sand.
5. Place the new plant cuttings in a bright and sunny, dry area and mist once or twice for the first few months. Do not water. Soon your miniature plant will take on a life of it’s own.
Shelley Wigglesworth
Shelley (Fleming) Wigglesworth is an award-winning freelance journalist from Maine and a certified Maine Master Gardener who writes gardening articles on a regular basis for NewEngland.com. Her work can be found in the following publications: The Village Magazine, York County Coast Star, Yankee Magazine (online), National Fisherman Magazine, Commercial Fisheries News, Points East Magazine, Coastal Angler Magazine and The Maine Lobstermen's Association's "Landings."