Grow succulents from leaf cuttings
CandideZA
Propagating succulents from leaf cuttings is a simple and easy way to increase your favourite plants. This step-by-step tutorial will show you how.
Note: some species propagate faster than others and a few succulents won’t propagate from leaves at all. For example, species in the genus Aeonium are extremely difficult to propagate from leaves, instead, these are better propagated from stem cuttings.
1. Select a healthy plant
To increase your chances of propagation success, choose leaves from a plant that it is healthy and free from any pests or diseases. Select leaves that are plump and full, with no tears or markings, and are not ripped or torn.
2. Remove the leaf from the parent plant
To take a leaf cutting for propagation, hold the leaf gently near the base where it is attached to the stem and carefully twist the leaf off the stem without tearing it. Damaged leaves, like the first leaf in the picture above, will not produce roots.
3. Allow the leaf cuttings to dry out
Leave the leaf cuttings out to dry for a few days to allow the wounds to form calluses, before starting the rooting process. If wounds are not allowed to dry out first, it may rot and die.
4. Lay the cuttings on soil
Fill a container or tray with well-draining potting mix and place the leaf cuttings on top of the potting soil where you would like them to take root. Unlike leaves, cuttings do not have to be planted in the soil. Place the container in an area where it will receive light but not in direct sun.
5. Practice your patience
It takes a few weeks for new roots and leaves to form on the leaf cuttings. This is mostly dependent on the time of year, type of succulent and amount of light and heat exposure, but generally, roots will start to form in 2-3 weeks. Keep the soil moist by spritzing with water each day but be wary of overwatering as succulents are prone to rotting. When roots start to develop, mound a little soil around them to allow the roots to establish.
6. Re-pot the new plants
Once roots have developed, gently remove the plant from the soil, being very careful not to damage the roots. Transplant the new plantlet into its own container where it will grow into a mature succulent.