Propagating Succulents
By Leonard Cicerello UCCE Master Gardener
How can I grow new plants from the succulents that I have in my garden? Carla C., Morro Bay
On November 20th UC Master Gardeners will be live on Instagram to explore several methods to propagate non-cactus succulents. The focus will be on vegetative types of propagation; not seeds, water, or grafting methods. Four unique methods will be demonstrated.
The first method will demonstrate propagation of buds, runners, plantlets, and pups of Kalanchoes, Orostachys, and Aloe. Plants such as Aloes produce small plants on short shoots at the base of the parent plant. These juvenile plants can be removed and potted as new plants.
The second method demonstrated will be propagation via leaf cuttings of Echeveria and Graptopetalum. Echeveria and other fleshy-leaved plants are propagated by inserting the base of the leaf into the rooting medium. New plants develop at the base of the leaf.
The third demonstration planned is called root separation/division using Haworthia. Plants such as Haworthia may form multiple crowns. This cluster can be broken apart to form individual plants. Sometimes these separated plants have few or no roots. They should be planted in a rooting mixture until good roots develop.
The fourth method on the agenda will be cutting/beheading with an Aeonium. A stem cutting is a stem with several leaves minus its roots. Often stem cuttings are placed in a glass of water until roots form. A better procedure is to dip the cut end into rooting hormone powder and plant in a rooting mix. It should be dried out a few days to seal the cut end before planting.
To round out the presentation, there will be a discussion on tool hygiene, watering, soil, and lighting.
This presentation will be streamed live on Instagram Live @slo_mgs, November 20 at noon. Viewers can ask questions in real time, or simply watch and enjoy.