Learning how to transplant succulents from cuttings is a fantastic way to grow your collection for free. It’s a simple process that anyone can master with a little know-how. This guide will walk you through each step, from taking the cutting to planting your new succulent. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to propagate these resilient plants.
How to Transplant Succulents from Cuttings
This method works for many popular succulents like echeveria, sedum, and crassula. The key is patience and using the right technique. You’ll need a few basic supplies to get started.
What You’ll Need
- Sharp, clean knife or pruning shears
- Healthy parent succulent
- Small pots with drainage holes
- Fresh, well-draining succulent or cactus potting mix
- A small trowel or spoon
- A bright, dry spot out of direct sun
Step 1: Taking the Perfect Cutting
First, choose a healthy leaf or stem from your parent plant. For stem cuttings, look for a sturdy stem that’s not too woody. Use your clean tool to make a clean cut.
For leaf cuttings, gently twist the leaf from the stem. Ensure the leaf comes off cleanly without tearing. This gives you the best chance for success. A damaged leaf often won’t produce new roots.
Step 2: The Crucial Callusing Phase
This is the most important step that beginners often skip. Do not plant your cutting right away! You must let the cut end dry out and form a callus.
Place the cuttings in a dry, airy spot out of direct sunlight. Let them sit for anywhere from 2 days to a week. The cut end should look dry, sealed, and maybe slightly shriveled. This callus prevents rot when you plant it.
Why Callusing Matters
Succulents store water in their leaves and stems. An open, wet cut is like an open wound. If planted immediately, it will absorb too much moisture from the soil and quickly rot. The callus acts as a natural bandage.
Step 3: Preparing Your Pot and Soil
While your cuttings are callusing, prepare their new home. Always use a pot with a drainage hole. Fill it with a specialized succulent or cactus mix. These blends drain water quickly, which is essential.
You can make your own mix by adding perlite or pumice to regular potting soil. A 50/50 mix works well. Avoid using dense, moisture-retaining garden soil, as it will cause rot.
Step 4: Planting Your Callused Cuttings
Now for the exciting part—planting! The method differs slightly for stem and leaf cuttings.
For Stem Cuttings: Make a small hole in the soil with your finger or a pencil. Gently place the callused end of the stem into the hole. Lightly press the soil around it for support. The stem should be able to stand upright on its own.
For Leaf Cuttings: Simply lay the callused leaves on top of the soil. Do not bury them. You can arrange them like fallen leaves. The tiny new roots will find their way into the soil on there own.
Step 5: Initial Watering and Placement
Do not water your cuttings right after planting! Wait. For stem cuttings, wait about 4-5 days before giving a light water. For leaf cuttings, wait until you see tiny pink roots or a new baby plant forming.
Place the pot in a location with bright, indirect light. A windowsill with morning sun is perfect. Avoid harsh afternoon sun, which can scorch the delicate cuttings. They need light to grow but not intense heat.
Step 6: The Waiting Game and Root Growth
This is where patience is key. Over the next few weeks, resist the urge to overwater or move the cuttings constantly. The parent leaf will provide all the water and nutrients the new plant needs.
For leaf cuttings, the original leaf will eventually shrivel up and die. This is normal! Do not remove it until it’s completely dry. The new succulent is growing at its base.
Step 7: Establishing a Watering Routine
Once you see significant new growth or roots, you can begin a regular watering routine. Water only when the soil is completely dry. Soak the soil thoroughly, then let it dry out completely before watering again.
A common mistake is watering on a schedule. Instead, always check the soil first. The time between waterings will vary with the season and your home’s humidity.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Cutting is Shriveled & Dry: It may need a slight drink. Give the soil a light mist or small watering if it’s been weeks with no roots.
- Cutting is Mushy or Rotting: This is from too much moisture. The cutting may not have callused properly, or the soil is too wet. You might need to start over with a new cutting.
- No Roots After Weeks: Some succulents are slower than others. Ensure it gets enough bright light and warmth. Just give it more time.
- Leggy, Stretched Growth: The new plant is not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter location gradually to avoid sunburn.
FAQ: Your Succulent Cutting Questions Answered
How long do succulent cuttings take to root?
It typically takes 2 to 6 weeks for roots to appear. Some varieties can take even long. Factors like season, temperature, and humidity affect the speed.
Can you put succulent cuttings straight into soil?
It is not recommended. Letting them callus first dramatically increases your success rate by preventing rot. Skipping this step is a main reason cuttings fail.
Do you water succulent cuttings after planting?
No, not immediately. Wait several days for stem cuttings, and wait for signs of growth for leaf cuttings. Their stored water is sufficient until roots develop.
What is the best time of year to take cuttings?
Spring and early summer are ideal. The plants are in their active growth phase, so they root faster. You can still propagate in other seasons, it just might be slower.
Why are my leaf cuttings not sprouting?
Not every leaf will succeed, even under perfect conditions. Ensure the leaf was removed cleanly and is callused. Also, make sure it’s getting adequate indirect light and is not sitting in wet soil.
Transplanting succulents from cuttings is a rewarding and cost-effective hobby. By following these simple steps—especially the critical callusing phase—you’ll have great success. Remember to use well-draining soil, water sparingly, and provide plenty of bright light. Soon, you’ll have a whole new generation of plants to enjoy or share with friends. The process teaches you a lot about how these amazing plants grow and thrive.