A Beginner’s Guide to Propagating Succulents

For many, propagating succulents might be the easiest way to start because you likely already own one—or several.

Remove the lower leaves on a succulent that’s getting a bit leggy, which means the succulent begins to grow long and the leaves become widely spaced. Take care to remove the entire leaf from the stem. If you rip it, it won’t grow new roots.

You’ll be left with a succulent on top of a long stem. Make a cut somewhere between the base of the succulent and the halfway point of the stem to get the succulent to root again easily.

It’s vital that you then let ends dry out and callous over. If you place your cuttings directly into the soil, they will absorb too much moisture, rot and die. Tiger recommends finding a shady, dry spot on the patio or even inside to let ends dry. “Some people want to put them in the sun, but that will only bake them,” he says. Be patient. This process can take anywhere from a few days to over a week.

Once the cuttings are dry, place them on top of well-draining cactus or succulent soil, and put them in a window with lots of indirect sunlight. Water only if leaves appear really dry.

After a few weeks, baby plants start to grow. Now mist them with a spray bottle once a day, being careful not to soak the soil.

The leaf will eventually fall off on its own and you can plant the baby succulent in a pot.