How To Root Succulent Plants With Leaf Or Stem
Cuttings
Succulents are perfect plants for xeriscape gardens and are easy to root
and grow. Once you learn how easy it is to propagate succulent plants,
it's a great way to expand your plant collection - and it's free!
You
can use this planting technique
with succulent plants from the Crassula family like Jade (C. ovata),
Spoon Jade or Gollum Fingers (C. Portulacea, Rosary Plant (C. Rupestris),
and Crassula tetragona. This propagation technique also works on other
cactus and succulent plants like Aloe Vera, Echeveria, Aeonium and Baby
Jade (Portulacaria afra).
Planting Succulent Cuttings Start with a cutting about 4 - 6 inches
long. Bury about half the stalk in soil. This will give you deep roots
and helps the plant withstand drought better. Trim off the last few
leaves to make a bare stalk if you need
to. The leaves can be planted too; bury about half the leaf, cut side
down. Most succulent plants and shrubs will form roots on the joints in
their stalks.
Watering Succulent Plant Cuttings Water every 2-3 days so the soil is
moist (like a squeezed sponge). After a month, cut back to monthly
watering. The leaves will probably shrivel a bit as the plant forms
roots. The plant is living off the stored energy in its leaves. This is
normal. You may also lose a few leaves,
which is also normal. Do not use this as an excuse to over water!
Save all your broken parts and leaves. When I am repotting, I always
save all my bits and pieces. Tuck them into the soil and leave a little
green sticking out. Most parts will take root and grow into an extra
plant.
How to Grow Succulent Plants Succulent plants want heat and light.
Outdoors most succulents take full sun to light shade. Some succulents
will change colors in the sun and with the seasons. If you see brown,
scabby spots, plants are getting too
much sun. Aloe plants will turn orange in full sun.
Most succulents and cacti make excellent houseplants. They are already
accustomed to a warm, dry environment, but they do need bright light.
Indoors, most succulent plants can take sun near a window, or bright
light. As a general rule of thumb, if there is enough sunlight for you
to read, there is probably enough sun to
make your plant happy.
Outdoors, Aloe and Haworthia like bright light, but take less sunlight
than most succulents. One or two hours of direct sun is usually their
limit. They will turn orange if they are getting too much sun. Moving
them to more shade will change them back to
green.
A very light frost is usually no problem for succulent plants. A hard
freeze, however, will freeze them solid. Outdoors, they can survive a
frost if they have overhead protection. In freezing winter areas, bring
you plants inside and put them in an area
with lots of light.
How to Water Succulent Plants and Cacti Succulents are native to places
like South Africa, South America and the arid Southwest. Try to keep
that in mind when you are picking a spot for your plants.
Succulents and
cacti are equipped to store water in
their leafs and stalks so that they can survive long periods of drought.
Indoors, drench the pot and then allow the soil to dry out between
watering. Outdoors, water them a few times during the hottest days of
summer (if they look shriveled), otherwise, leave them alone.
The
fastest way to kill succulents is to over
water them.
Soil Requirements for Succulents and Cacti Succulent plants in a pot:
The preferred soil for succulents is light and fast draining. Some
retailers carry a special cactus potting soil, which is ideal. However,
regular potting soil can also be used.
Just remember that regular
potting soil is formulated to retain water, so be sure to let it dry
between watering (after your plants are established.) Do not use the
potting soil with added fertilizer as it can be too 'rich' for
succulents. If available, add a scoop of sharp sand or fine gravel to
assist with drainage.
Succulent Plant Cuttings Outdoors Generally you can put your succulent
plant cutting directly in the soil in the exact spot where you want the
plant to grow. Just break up the soil, (add a little potting soil if you
must), and plant your cutting.
If the area is in full sun, your plant
cutting will have an easier time rooting and getting established if you
give it a little shade for a couple weeks or so. You can use a shade
cloth, a piece of
cardboard or anything else that keeps the sun off your cutting for a few
hours during the day.
If you are rooting a succulent cutting in a pot but plan on planting it
in your garden, I recommend using mainly soil from your own garden in
the pot. You can add a scoop of potting soil if you wish, but the best
thing is to get your cutting used to your native soil off the bat.
Your
plant will have a better transition from pot to garden soil when you
plant it. Please
http://www.theGardenPages.com to see photos of succulents that are
easily propagated with cuttings.
