Six years ago I began propogating succulents. Here's what I learned.
Succulents are hardy. They do well when left alone. They don't like to be touched.
They need a sunny window, a fast soak of water every week or two, good drainage holes in the planter, and a potting mix that drains well.
In winter, they do well grown under lights, if you have that set up. But they will survive in a south facing window in a northern location, like Edmonton.
A few varieties will survive outdoors in a cold winter (Hens & Chicks), but most will die when temperatures drop.
A potting mix with lots of peat will retain too much water. Cut a regular potting mix with about 1/3 small gravel, perlite, or coarse sand. A potting mix that drains well ensures the roots will not get soggy.
Propogation of succulents
Some succulents send out 'babies' that put down roots. Others root in the soil from tendrils sent out. Some expand underground. All succulents take their sweet time.
Certain types of succulents can be propogated with leaves. This is straightforward enough. Snap healthy bottom leaves off. Snap them off cleanly and fully. The leaves must be complete and undamaged in order to grow roots.
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| Roots grow on their own |
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| Tray of perlite layered on top of potting mix cut with gravel. |
The tray pictured above has a thin layer of perlite over the potting mix (cut with coarse gravel), to create a dry, hospitable environment for the leaves to sit on. There is only about 1.5 inches of potting mix. There are drainage holes in the tray. Eventually, roots grow down into the potting mix. You don't really need the perlite. You can let the little plants grow in the tray for a few months, or move them to a smalll pot when the roots are well established.
Roots will also grow from a succulent leaf if propped up above a small vial of water. The water should not touch the base of the leaf. After a good base of roots has formed, plant the roots in the potting mix. Generally, let them settle in the mix for a few days before watering. Succulents need water but not too much. That's why good drainage holes in the container are imperative.
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| Roots grow in the air too |
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| All of the above can be propogated by leaves. |
Succulents will stay small for a while if planted in shallow and not too fertile potting mix. Eventually the stems will elongate. A succulent head can be snapped off with about 1/2 inch or less of stem, and roots will from from the base of the stem. Just place it in dry potting mix for the first week or so. They store water in their leaves, and use this to start up the roots.
They will grow faster if you give them a little fertilizer, but just a little.
Poor drainage in the soil and too much water.