Cutting out the succulents

Easy to grow, almost maintenance-free, beautiful, tolerant and very trendy, succulents: we love them! There are a multitude of varieties, each more interesting than the next. Did you know that succulents can be multiplied by cutting? Yes, and it’s quite simple too! Here’s how to take cuttings from your succulents at home.

You will need:

  • Specialized soil for cacti and succulents
  • Pot for your cuttings
  • Leaf or stem of the plant to multiply
  • Spray bottle

Unlike many tropical plants, succulents’ roots grow in contact with soil and not in water. When you think about the type of plant and its very limited watering needs, it is easy to understand that water is not the preferred element of succulents.

How to make cuttings from succulents?

The best time to take cuttings from succulents is in the spring, when they come out of their dormant period, but it is not impossible to do it at another time. You can make cuttings from the leaves or segments of the plant by removing a piece of stem that has at least two leaves and is about 10-15 cm long.

The steps

  1. Choose one or a few leaves from your plant and gently peel them off or cut a stem with a sharp knife. You can use leaves that have fallen off naturally if they are still in good condition.
  2. Let the scar dry for a few days, a dry crust called callus will result. This is an essential step in the propagation of your succulents.
  3. Place your leaves on the surface of the potting mix so that the callus is in contact with the soil without digging into it. For the stems, plant them at a depth of about 2 cm.
  4. Place your cuttings on a windowsill without direct sunlight, your budding plants need light and warmth, but strong sunlight can burn them.
  5. Spray water when the potting soil is dry, about every other day, making sure to let the surface of the soil dry between waterings.
  6. After a few weeks, you will see baby plants appear at the base of your leaves! Victory!
  7. When the roots are well established and 2 to 3 cm long, you can gently repot them into a larger pot.

Admit it, you didn’t think it was that easy to expand your succulent plant collection! All you need is a little patience. For more tips on how to care for your tropical plants, come and meet our nursery consultants!

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