Succulents have become one of the most popular plants in recent years. Whether you’ve spotted them at a friend’s house, a trendy café, or even a local nursery, they’re hard to miss! Their striking shapes, varied colors, and low-maintenance needs have made them go-to plants for anyone looking to add a bit of life to their space.
But the fun doesn’t stop at just growing them. Succulents are also fantastic candidates for propagation, which allows you to create new plants from the ones you already have. This is where knowing how to cut and replant your succulent becomes essential. By learning this simple technique, you can share your love of succulents with others, expand your garden, or even make some money by selling off your excess cuttings.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to cut a succulent and replant it properly so that you can enjoy a flourishing garden full of healthy, vibrant succulents.
Why Cut and Replant Your Succulent?
There are a few reasons why you might want to cut and replant your succulent:
Propagation: Cutting a succulent and allowing it to root will give you a new plant. Succulents propagate quite easily, which means you can grow your collection without spending money on new plants.
Healthier Plants: Pruning your succulents can help encourage new growth, making them stronger and bushier. It also helps remove damaged or dead leaves, keeping the plant looking neat.
Controlling Size: Some succulents grow quite large. By trimming them back, you can keep their size in check and ensure they fit within your space.
Sharing: If you have a succulent that’s thriving, why not share the love with friends and family? Giving away your plant cuttings is a great way to spread the joy of gardening.
When to Cut and Replant Succulents
Timing is everything when it comes to cutting and replanting succulents. The best time to take cuttings is during the warmer months, typically spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing. Avoid cutting during the winter, as succulents tend to go dormant during this time.
The ideal time to cut a succulent is when it’s growing healthily and has plenty of leaves or stems to work with. Ensure that your plant isn’t stressed or diseased before attempting to propagate.
Necessary Tools for Cutting and Replanting
Before you get started, gather the following tools:
Sharp, Clean Scissors or Pruning Shears: It’s important to use clean, sharp tools to avoid damaging your plant and to prevent the spread of diseases.
Small Pots: You’ll need small pots to plant your new cuttings in. Ensure these pots have drainage holes to prevent water from collecting at the bottom and causing rot.
Well-Draining Soil: Succulents prefer soil that doesn’t retain too much moisture. A cactus or succulent-specific potting mix is ideal.
Rooting Hormone (Optional): While succulents are typically easy to propagate, using rooting hormone can help encourage faster rooting for some varieties.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cut and Replant a Succulent
Now that you’ve gathered your materials, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of cutting and replanting a succulent.
Step 1: Choose the Right Plant Select a healthy, mature succulent that’s ready to be cut. Look for a plant that’s actively growing and free from pests or disease.
Step 2: Decide Where to Cut Identify a stem or leaf you want to cut. You can cut from the tip of the plant, or you can remove any side stems or offset pups (baby succulents). If you’re cutting a leaf, make sure it’s plump and healthy.
Step 3: Make the Cut Using your clean scissors or pruning shears, carefully cut the stem or leaf from the parent plant. If you’re cutting a stem, be sure to cut just above a node (the small nub on the stem where leaves or new growth will emerge). For a leaf, make sure to cut as close to the base as possible, ensuring you take the whole leaf without leaving any pieces behind.
Step 4: Allow the Cutting to Callus After cutting, place the succulent cutting in a dry, shaded area for a few days to allow the cut end to callus over. This step is crucial, as it helps prevent rot when the cutting is planted in soil.
Step 5: Prepare Your Pot Fill a small pot with well-draining succulent or cactus mix. Make sure the pot has drainage holes to avoid water retention. Gently press down the soil so it’s compact, but not too dense.
Step 6: Plant the Cutting Once the cut end of your succulent has formed a protective callus, plant it in the soil. For leaf cuttings, simply lay the leaf flat on the soil surface. For stem cuttings, bury the cut end about one to two inches deep in the soil.
Step 7: Water Lightly Succulent cuttings don’t need much water initially. Water lightly, ensuring that the soil is barely moist. Overwatering can lead to rot, so it’s best to wait until the cutting has rooted before giving it a more substantial drink.
How to Care for New Succulent Cuttings
After planting, your new succulent cuttings will need care to ensure they root properly:
Light: Place your cutting in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Succulents love light, but direct sunlight can scorch the delicate cuttings.
Watering: As mentioned, avoid overwatering. Wait until the soil has completely dried out before watering again. Once the roots have established, you can water more frequently.
Patience: Succulent cuttings may take a few weeks to establish roots. Be patient and avoid disturbing the cutting during this period.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While succulents are relatively easy to propagate, there are a few common issues to watch out for:
Rot: If you notice blackening or squishy spots on your cutting, it may be rotting. This usually happens due to excessive watering or improper callusing. Remove the affected cutting and try again with a fresh one.
Pests: Succulents can sometimes attract pests like aphids or mealybugs. Check your plants regularly and treat them with organic insecticides if needed.
Additional Tips for Growing Succulents Successfully
Use a Balanced Fertilizer: While succulents don’t need heavy fertilization, feeding them with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can promote healthy growth.
Repotting: As succulents grow, they may outgrow their pots. Repot them into slightly larger pots to give them room to thrive.
Temperature Control: Succulents thrive in warm temperatures, but they don’t do well in extreme heat or frost. Keep them in a stable, moderate temperature range.
Conclusion
Learning how to cut and replant succulents is a rewarding skill that can enrich your gardening experience. By following the simple steps outlined above, you can propagate your favorite succulents, share them with friends and family, and watch them flourish in your home or garden. Remember to be patient, provide the right care, and your succulent cuttings will soon become beautiful, vibrant plants that add charm to your space.
Happy gardening!
