What methods are available for propagating succulents indoors

Propagation succulents

Succulents are incredibly beautiful plants, distinguished by a variety of forms and colors. At the same time the care for such representatives of the flora is minimal. What you need to know about propagation succulents indoors to get a good result.

Propagation succulents by leaves indoors

The use of leaves in propagation is a fairly simple method, it is very popular with beginner gardeners. This method is economical and simple, it can be performed even by beginners. Propagation of succulents by leavesHowever, a few important tips must be followed:

  • the leaf that is used for propagation must be in excellent condition, have a tight shape, any damage and stains are not allowed;
  • to cut the leaf you need a clean knife, the prerequisite is a sterilized sharp blade;
  •  the cut leaf plate will need to dry for 2-3 days;
  • planting material is placed on the top layer of soil by the place of cutting, it is this position accelerates the process of rooting;
  • soil, in which the leaves will be rooted, should be well drained, based on compost with the addition of river sand and charcoal.

In order for the leaf cuttings to take root, it is necessary to provide the future plant with full and proper care. It consists in spraying water (necessarily settled) on the surface of the soil. For such purposes, a sprayer will do an excellent job.
This method of getting new plants is great for Calanhoe, Sedums and various varieties of Crassulas and Echeverias. There are some crops that propagate beautifully with part of a leaf as well. These are Havortia and Gasteria. In this case, part of the leaf is dried and planted vertically.

Succulent information

Effective propagation succulents by seeds

This method is effective only if seeds are used fresh. The ideal season for this procedure is spring or summer. In the cold season, the seeds sometimes rot from low temperatures and lack of ultraviolet rays. But by creating comfortable conditions and germinating seeds, you can count on healthy plants.

propagation succulents by seeds

To engage in this process, it is best to buy a miniature greenhouse, but you can also build it with your own hands. Prepare for this purpose:

  • plastic containers with perforations on the bottom and sides;
  • glass or plastic lids to cover the containers;
  • daylight lamp with a reflector.

Soil is prepared on the basis of fertile soil and sand in equal proportions. It is possible to take only sand. Obligatory condition is to disinfect the soil, for this you can mix it with wood ash in crushed form. Then you should fill the containers with the earth mixture, sow the seeds on top, without deepening them. On top, pour a thin ball of sand. Thanks to this it will be possible to keep the heat and maintain the necessary level of humidity. Seeds do not need to be watered, as this will lead to their washout from the soil. To maintain an optimal level of humidity in the greenhouse, the surface layer is sprayed with a sprayer.

succulent seedlings

Remember that drought is detrimental to seeds and young seedlings. But also because of the excess moisture, crops can be affected by infections, rotting processes will intensify. This will lead to the death of all seedlings. Therefore, it is important to water crops moderately for 2-3 months.
The optimum air temperature suitable for seed germination is 78 – 82 °F (+26 – 28 °C). Increase the length of the daylight hours by using a daylight lamp. It is better to place it together with a reflector close to the future plants.

When to transplant seedlings?

When the young bushes are strong, they need to be transplanted into separate containers. If you are transplanting lithops, be careful to avoid temperature fluctuations. The optimal temperature is 77 °F (+25 °C). When planting Lithops and other “living stones” in new soil, make sure the stub is upright.
Do not forget that each succulent will need an individual pot. Too wide containers will lead to rotting of the roots, and cramped ones will provoke compression of the roots, drying out the plant. Obligatory condition when choosing a container – the presence of holes for drainage, thick walls to avoid deformation.
Do not forget to choose a suitable soil. Some succulents thrive in earthy substrates, others will need stony soil.
After planting succulents in new soil, do not water the plants immediately, but keep them in a warm room, spoiling them with just the right amount of sunlight.

The cuttings method for producing new succulents

Propagation succulents by cuttings is another common method for obtaining new plants. If you follow all the rules, you can get a beautiful bush in a short time. To get the best results, follow the simple rules:

  • take for propagation, only mature and healthy cuttings;
  • use clean and sharp tools to cut the cuttings;
  • the area where the cut was made, be sure to treat with crushed charcoal;
  • if a large amount of milky sap is secreted in the cut – be sure to remove it under warm water, and only then treat with charcoal;
  • the treated cuttings should be dried for at least a week at room temperature. This stimulates the development of the root system.

Two methods are used for rooting succulent crops with cuttings:

  • In water. For such purposes, settled, boiled or distilled liquid is used. Before immersing the cuttings in water, its lower part is dipped in a growth-promoting preparation. Make sure that the cuttings do not touch the bottom of the container with water. Rooting occurs quickly, if you adhere to the temperature regime and suitable lighting. To improve this process, it is better to cover the cuttings with transparent polyethylene. The temperature is 73 to 76 °F (23 to 24 °C). Also do not forget to renew the water as needed. It will take up to 1 month for complete rooting. If the cutting area begins to rot, cut it off, dry it and re-root it.
  • In fine sand. Sift the sand, fire it in the oven or microwave. The cut of the cuttings before planting, preferably treated with a growth activator. When the planting material is planted in the sand, lightly moisten the substrate, using warm, settled water.

Crassulas or Europhobia are excellent rooters in water. Sansevierias in the sand. After the formation of a well-developed root system, the young seedling is moved to a flower pot filled with potting soil.

Propagation succulents by Branches

Propagating of succulents by grafts is another way to get a new plant. Separating the offspring from the mother bush improves the health of the crop, making it a better processor of energy and nutrients.

Propagation succulents by Branches

Step by step, the procedure is as follows:

  • Preparing the adult plant. Every day you should water the top layer of soil to soften it. This contributes to the easy removal of the offspring.
  • Preparation of the tool. We take a sharp knife, dip it in soapy water. We dip it in an alcohol-based solution, rinse and wipe it.
  • Protection. Wear tight gloves to protect your hands from spikes and germs. Remnants of soil are removed from the offspring to examine the condition of the roots. The most successful are the offspring with an established root system.
  • Detachment. Using a sharp knife, get rid of the stem that connects the offspring to the main plant. Then carefully remove the sprout from the soil, without damaging the root system.
    Planting. To plant the offspring, use nutritious soil. It is also important to provide a warm temperature so that the succulent will take root without stress.

Stems are very often propagated Aloe, as well as propagation of the succulent Sempervívum or Havortia. If you follow all the rules, you will get a new and spectacular plant for your collection.

Can I propagate succulents in the winter

In autumn and winter, when the temperature drops and the amount of daylight decreases, succulents have a dormant period and their development is suspended. To propagate during this period, most succulent crops by any method is undesirable, as the result is likely to be negative. But some species, such as Havortia, propagate very well during the winter.

We use cookies to provide you with up-to-date information. By continuing to browse this site, you agree to the use of cookies.