Aeonium propagation is a widely known method of increasing your foliage. And why should it not be? This stunning succulent rosette looks wonderful paired up with other smaller plants both indoors and outdoors. With shades ranging from green to purplish-black; Aeonium’s waxy rosettes are a wonderful addition to your home garden. However, these plants are monocarpic, meaning they will die once they flower.
This is why you need to make use of your plant as much as you can by propagating many other plants before it dies. There is no science behind learning how to propagate Aeonium. You only need to be careful of the cutting methods, and their maintenance.
You can follow this beginner’s guide to Aeonium propagation for healthy, thriving newer succulents from the ones at home.
Aeonium propagation by Cuttings:
The answer to how to propagate Aeonium lies in how you get the cutting. A properly cut, healthy stem results in faster and significantly higher growth. The type of stem you choose also affects the results of propagation.
Always go for stems that look young and are slim. Moreover, cuttings planted in spring and autumn tend to produce more successful propagation than those planted in summer. Follow these basic steps for propagating Aeonium plants.
- Take a sharp knife or scissor and cut a 10 cm long, healthy stem from the plant.
- Let the cutting dry in a warm place for a few days until the wound forms a callus. This is essential so your cutting does not rot after planting.
- Fill your pot with well-draining soil and stick your stem cutting in it such that it stands upright.
- Keep your pot in a bright place but away from direct sunlight. You only need to ensure that you do not overwater your plant. This is one of the major causes of failed propagation. Only water it when you see the soil drying.
Aeonium propagation by Leaves:
Even though stem cuttings are the usual method when it comes to how to propagate Aeonium, you can try the same method with leaves.
The success rate is definitely lower than stem propagation but there is no harm in trying. When it comes to leaf propagation, middle-aged leaves perform way better than older or younger leaves.
- Cut or break off some healthy, plump leaves from your plant. Make sure the leaves are intact without any damage to the base. Damaged basal tissues are a major reason for your leaf not rooting.
- Let it dry out for one or two days until callus forms on its base.
- You can stick the leaf in the soil or lay it and only cover the base with a thin layer of soil.
- Water it every few days until roots form.
Conclusion
Even if you have never had hands-on experience with Aeonium propagation you can still propagate it easily with its easy-going, low-maintenance nature. These succulents are gorgeous, which means that you can never have enough of them in your garden.
This easy-to-follow guide on how to propagate Aeonium is your answer to a garden full of these beauties. Just get yourself a cutting and start planting!
