Want to expand your succulent collection without spending more money?
Propagating your succulents is an easy, rewarding way to grow new plants from the ones you already have! Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, succulent propagation is super fun and can be done in a variety of ways—depending on the type of plant.
Here’s everything you need to know, including which succulents are best for each propagation method, how to do it, and some top tips for increasing your success rate!
| Propagation Method | Best For These Types of Succies | How To | Tips |
| Leaf Propagation | Echeveria, Graptopetalum, Sedum, Pachyphytum | 1. Gently twist off a healthy leaf. 2. Let it callous over. 3. Place on dry soil and mist occasionally. 4. Wait for roots and baby plants to grow. 5. Repot when baby is about 1 inch tall. | Be patient! It can take weeks for roots and babies to form. |
| Stem Cuttings | Crassula (Jade), Senecio (String of Pearls), Aeonium, Kalanchoe | 1. Cut a healthy stem below a leaf node. 2. Let it callous for a few days. 3. Plant in well-draining soil. Water sparingly until roots form. | For trailing plants, lay stems on the soil surface for easier rooting. |
| Offsets (Pups) | Sempervivum, Aloe, Haworthia | 1. Remove the offset, ensuring the roots stay intact. 2. Let it callous over for a day. 3. Plant in fresh soil and water lightly. | Wait until the pup is at least 1/3 the size of the parent before removing. |
| Division | Agave, Sansevieria (Snake Plant), Aloe | 1. Remove the plant from the pot. 2. Gently separate the root ball into individual plants. 3. Replant each section in fresh soil. | Only divide mature plants with established root systems. |
| Seed Propagation | Lithops, Cacti, Aloe | 1. Scatter seeds over well-draining soil. 2. Mist and cover with plastic to create a greenhouse effect. 3. Place in bright, indirect light. 4. Remove plastic once seeds sprout and water sparingly. | Be patient—seed germination can take weeks, especially for rarer varieties like Lithops. |
How to Choose the Right Propagation Method
Different succulents respond best to different propagation techniques. For rosette-shaped plants like Echeveria or Sedum, leaf propagation is often the go-to method. For trailing succulents like String of Pearls or Jade plants, stem cuttings work best. If your succulents naturally produce offsets (aka pups), like Sempervivum or Aloe, those can easily be separated and planted. For mature plants that have grown into clumps, division is a quick way to create new plants. Lastly, for the patient plant parent, seeds can be used to propagate rarer varieties.
Top Tips for Successful Propagation
- Be Patient: Some methods, like leaf or seed propagation, can take several weeks (or months) to show results, so don’t rush the process.
- Bright, Indirect Light: Propagating succulents need plenty of light, but not direct sunlight, which can scorch their delicate new roots.
- Avoid Overwatering: Newly propagated succulents don’t need a lot of water. Keep the soil just slightly moist, and always let it dry out between waterings.
- Use Well-Draining Soil: For all propagation methods, well-draining, gritty soil is a must to avoid root rot.
Propagating succulents is a fun and simple way to grow your collection, whether you’re using leaves, stems, offsets, or seeds. By following the right method for each plant and giving them the proper care, you’ll soon have a whole new batch of beautiful succulents ready to thrive!
Happy propagating!