There are several methods to propagate a succulent, leaf and stem cuttings, offsets, and seeding. But all of those methods are relatively slow. In this article, I will show you how to propagate succulents fast using different methods.
How to propagate succulents fast Using rooting hormones
In this method, you have to use the stem cutting or leaf cutting propagation method. Hormonal treatments are not effective for seed propagation
1. Use a sharp tool (a pair of scissors, pruning shears, or a knife) and cut a stem of about 2-3 inches long or cut few healthy leaves.
2. After sorting the leaves or the stem by removing the lower leaves and clearing up the stem area, dip the cut wound end in the root boosting material; a rooting hormone, organic Cinnamon powder, or natural honey.
Learn more on Best Rooting Hormone For Succulents | Full Guide
Always read through the instructions if you are using hormone gel or liquid. If it’s a powder, dip the stem or leaf end in it and slowly shake to remove the excess. If it’s a liquid, make sure whether you can use it straightly on the cut or you need to dilute it in water and use it. Do not leave the leaf or stem to be hard and callous over like in normal propagation.
3. After applying the boosting powder or liquid, you can lay it on a potting mix. You can also take a container, add stones to the bottom, keep a tissue paper on top of the stones, and wet it. Then you can place your
4. Keep it under partial sunlight with some shade or indirect sunlight and in a warm environment. You can even use a grow light for this task.
5. Mist it every 2-3 days using spray bottle.
6. After 2-3 weeks, you will see new pink roots forming or the little plantlets that spur. Then you can either keep it a few more days until new roots develop further to be perfect for planting, or else you can replant it in a new pot as baby succulents.
How to propagate succulents fast using good soil
In a porous sandy potting soil, new succulents or baby plants grow best, so it is super important to change your potting soil with sand. You could use any kind of sand, but I suggest purchasing a coarse sand rather than the really fine stuff to ensure fast drainage for succulents. You can use this method for all propagation types (seed, cutting or offsets)
Can I use rooting hormone on succulents?
Using a powder, liquid, or a gel version of rooting hormones, you can effectively speed up the propagation process. The growth of a healthy plant is based on strong roots. You can use a rooting hormone on stem or leaf cuttings and fasten the root development. It will make your succulent propagation easy, bringing you fast results and make growing succulents easy.
But keep in mind always to follow the correct dosage instructions and apply the right amount to avoid harming the plant by overusing rooting hormones. A powdered hormone can be used directly on the cut wound, while you should check whether you can use gel or liquid hormones directly or dilute in water.
What can I use instead of rooting hormone?
When you use any root boosting material on your leaf or stem cuttings, apply it before the cutting edge forms the callus. If you apply it after the callus is created, the boosting material’s effectiveness will be less. You can dip the cutting edge in the medium you use and slowly shake to remove the excess.
Then, you can lay it on the soil. You can either use a grow light or natural sunlight sparingly to keep the necessary warmth and mist the plant area every 2-3 days. You can use natural honey to help the propagation as it contains natural disinfectant and anti-fungal bodies. It will protect and boost the propagation and give strong roots.
Dip the cut leaf end in raw honey and place it on top of the soil. Or else, you can let the boiled water cool down a bit, mix honey in it and dip the wound cut in this solution. Within 2-3 weeks, you will be able to see new whitish roots on the callous. Also avoid direct sunlight
One of your favorite spices can come into help in the propagation of your succulents. Just like honey, Cinnamon also can prevent bacteria and fungus from harming the propagation process or afterward. Thus, it will help your succulent to get healthy roots. You can also try applying a bit of apple cider vinegar on the wound end. You may make the solution by adding apple cider vinegar to the water.
How to select succulents for propagating?
You can take any healthy succulent for propagation not a new plant. A well-grown, mature plant is ideal. The succulents with a central stem or several hard stems and branches are suitable for propagation through stem cutting. The succulents with healthy colored, thick fleshy leaves are ideal for propagation through leaf cuttings.
You may also use your leggy succulent, which has stretched out to take sunlight. You will see a very long stem that you can cut and use for propagation in such cases. And also, if your succulent has shredded some considerable amount of leaves or started to look less attractive. You can use a part of it to propagate while nurturing the mother plant back to good health. If the succulent is blooming, you will have to wait until the blooming is over to propagate.
How long does it take succulents to propagate?
In general, succulent propagation takes 2-6 weeks, depending on the type of propagation you do. Leaf propagation will take two weeks for roots to grow and eight weeks for new leaves to come by when you can replant it in a new pot if you want to as new plants. Stem propagation will take around four weeks to form roots. Offset and seed propagation will take a longer time, about 4-10 weeks. Using root boosters can speed up the propagation process and give you faster results (new succulent) than expected from a normal propagation.
Summary
| Preparation method | How to boost the propagation |
| Stem or leaf cutting | Use growth hormone and good soil |
| Seed propagation | Use good soil and provide good care |
| By offsets | Use growth hormone and good soil |
FAQ
What is the fastest way to root succulents?
The fastest and the most successful way of propagating succulents to form roots is by applying a gel, liquid, or powder of rooting hormone on the cutting edge and placing it on the soil.
How long does it take to propagating succulents in the water?
When you take a stem or a leaf cut from a mature plant, let it dry to callus over 2-3 days. You can use a half water-filled glass jar as the progress can be observed, and the sunshine can smoothly go in. Place the stem in the water in a way that it barely touches the water. It will then take 2-3 weeks for the first small roots to appear. But let it grow more for 4-6 before planting it in a new pot.
Can you put succulents in water to root?
It is possible propagate succulents in water. You can grow roots from healthy single leaves, or you can take stem cuttings and root them if you have a stretched-out succulent. Succulents with plump, fleshy leaves have the best chance of growth, like the Echeveria vine. Another way is using a wet paper towel and spray bottle and sprout roots easy.
Can you plant succulent cuttings straight away?
No, you can’t plant the succulent cutting or succulent leaves directly on the soil. You have to let the stem or the leaf-cutting dry for a few days and callus over before it’s suitable for planting.
