Often, succulent stem cuttings are used in temporary arrangements, after which they may simply be discarded. However, it’s actually very easy to propagate these stem cuttings, allowing you to either multiply your succulent collection or re-use cuttings again and again.
It’s crucial to note that propagating succulents is not an exact science, and even with meticulous care, it’s possible that your succulents will not survive. With that said, following these five simple steps can significantly increase your odds of success.
Table of contents
How to Propagate Succulent Stem Cuttings
1. Get the pot ready.
Whether you’re using a temporary pot or a more permanent container, you’ll want to be sure that the bottom has a decent drainage hole. Also, ensure that there is enough space in your pot to allow between two and three inches of room around each cutting. For some recommended pots check out our article The Best Succulent Pots. Finally, fill your pot with gritty and well-draining soil, which should be easy to find at any lawn and garden center. Here is an article on The Best Succulent and Cactus Soils as well as an article on How to Make Succulent Soil
2. Plant your succulent stem cuttings.
Plant the cut end of the stem an inch or two into the soil. Then compress the soil tightly so that the succulent can stand up on its own. Need Succulent cuttings here is our succulent cutting variety pack.
3. Select the right location.
One of the most important steps in growing succulents is choosing the right place for them. Generally speaking, you’ll want to put them somewhere that gets bright, indirect light, but not full exposure to the sun. Keep in mind that sunlight is needed for succulents to grow roots, but too much sunlight will dry them out. Finally, select a location with decent airflow, which can prevent the accumulation of gnats and other bugs.
4. Water your succulents.
Mature succulents don’t need as much moisture, but your stem cuttings should be watered frequently. A good rule of thumb is to water them two to four times a week; basically, often enough to keep the soil from drying out, but not so often that you have standing water.
5.Check for roots.
After four to six weeks, you can give your succulent a very gentle pull, which should tell you whether or not it has grown roots. If your succulent does grow roots, you can transition to less frequent watering (maybe two to four times a month).
By following these basic steps, you can maximize your rate of success when propagating succulents from existing stem cuttings. For more succulent options, make sure you check out our shop.
