Propagating succulent leaves | EASY and Best Success RATE method
Today I’m going to show you my new favorite way for propagating succulent leaves. There are not too many things cuter than a succulent baby. I have had pretty good success with just about every propagation method. Succulents are the gift that keeps on giving.
Here are some of my seed trays that I use for propagating succulent leaves. In fact, I have also used just about every to-go container imaginable. Additionally, Tupperware containers also work well for propagating succulent leaves.
Yes friends, that is a Yogurtland container you see here! Don’t judge, it actually works very well. Additionally, I like to poke a few holes in the bottom and keep the plastic lids loose on top. In fact it makes a great mini greenhouse.
Another option is to use a nursery tray lined with slightly damp paper towels. Then, lay out your succulent leaves. Next, gently cover them with a thin layer of saran wrap.
All of these methods seem to work pretty well. But, I have had the best success with the method that I’m going to show you next. First, you are going to want to get some type of a tray, flower bed, or floral pot. Really anything will work. Large nursery trays work great as well.
I personally like to use aluminum trays because they are just the right depth and inexpensive.
First, I poke several small holes in the bottom of the aluminum trays for drainage. This is optional. But, I prefer the additional drainage. Then, fill the tray with succulent soil.
Next, I like to spray the soil with my FAVORITE spray bottle of all time. Give it a couple pumps and then it keeps on spraying. Definitely one of my favorite gardening tools.
After you have sprayed the soil with water, cover with a layer of perlite. Then, cover the entire top of the succulent soil with perlite. In my experience I have found that it prevents the leaves from rotting. It has given me the best success rate.
**Optional** If you want to increase the speed of root growth you can dip the tips of the succulent leaves in a rooting hormone. Next, start placing the succulent leaves on top of the perlite. I like to alternate the leaves so the roots do not touch once developed. Then, leave the succulent leaves on the perlite. Finally, hold off on watering again until you actually see some root growth.
Carefully select leaves from a succulent that you want to propagate. First, choose a nice healthy leaf. Do not use a dead squishy leaf. Those just won’t last. Unfortunately, they won’t make it and they will rot really fast. Select healthy succulent leaves that are nice and plump. Additionally, I try to water the mother plant a day or two prior to pulling off a leaf. That way they have sufficient water in the leaf to help it survive.
Additionally, you can also set your succulent cuttings on the perlite. Just make sure you let them callus over for three to five days before spraying them with water. A callus is like a scab for the plant. In fact, it prevents loss of water and invasion by diseases.
We leave the leaves on the perlite and mist them with water every 1-2 weeks. Eventually the leaves will grow little babies. Who doesn’t love a cute succulent baby?
Above are some of the babies that have been propagating. Eventually, the leaves will get really wilted like the last one above on the right. You’ll also notice that once the leaf dies completely, you’ll get a little boost to the actual plant baby as well.
After they get bigger plant them together in little containers like these cute little mini pots above. I just love planting babies in these adorable little pots that a friend gave to me.
Okay guys here’s a huge tip, that should be common sense. I completely forgot about this tray of succulent leaves and I left it in direct sun.
They were all sunburned and died. I was so sad. Keep your propagating succulent leaves out of direct sun. Only succulents with established roots and acclimation can handle full sun.Even full grown succulents need to be gradually acclimated into full sun. Learn more about saving sunburned succulents in my post here.
There you have it! My new favorite way to propagate succulent leaves with the best success rate. Have questions? Please leave them in the comments below.
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