Propagating Succulents and Cacti

Propagating your cacti and succulents is simple. In many cases all you need is a leaf. David Salman says if you’re new at this, start with...

  • Topic: Succulents and Cacti
  • Author: Cindy Bellinger
  • Keywords: propagating, cacti, succulent, Succulents and Cacti, cactus, cactuses
  • Date: July 2004

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These plants are easy-peasy to propagate. In many cases all you need is a leaf. David Salman says if you’re new at this, start with South African succulents, the ice plants. “They are the easiest to propagate,” he says.

There are three ways to propagate—dividing, cutting, and sowing seed.

Though different plants are started with certain parts, the most common parts are:

  • leaves
  • seeds
  • stems

Leaves

Leaves from Echeverias, Gasterias, Graptopetalums, Kalanchoes and sedums are good for beginning. Make sure they are green. Yellowed leaves won’t root because they’ve lost their chlorophyll, which they need to re-grow. After slicing with a sharp knife, let the leaf sit and dry in the open air for 3-4 days to callus, or harden over.

Place leaves on top of the soil. When using a pad of a cactus leaf, make sure it’s placed sideway at an angle. Water sparingly and let the soil dry out. Slowly little root hairs will develop and a new plant begins.

Seeds

Starting succulents and cacti from seed is the most difficult. Collect seeds that are embedded in the pulp of the cactus fruit. Sprinkle seeds on the surface of the soil; thinly cover. Seeds of Mesembryanthemum, however, need light to germinate and should not be covered.

Stems

When making stem cuttings, (sections from stems complete with top leaves) make sure it is allowed to callus (hardened) for a few days. Then place in a pot to mature.

Soil Mixture

Our suggested potting mixture is:

  • 1 part sand, 1 part Perlite, and 3 parts potting mix. We also sell a bagged cactus mix if you don’t want to make your own.

Salman also sterilizes the sand by baking it for 30 minutes at 200 degrees. He suggests laying a half-inch of sand on top of the potting mix to help stabilize the plants while they are rooting. He also makes sure the potting area is “kitchen clean” to prevent fungal rot, and says it’s not necessary to use rooting hormones.

Hint: Use a small piece of window screen in the bottom of containers to keep the soil from sifting through the holes in pots.

Further Reading

  • Succulents for the Contemporary Garden, by Yvonne Cave
  • Succulents II, by Maurizio Sajeva and Mariangela Costanzo
  • The Complete Book of Cacti and Succulents, by Terry Hewitt
  • Cactus and Succulents: A Care Manual, by Tony and Suzanne Mace
  • Cacti: The Illustrated Dictionary, by Rod and Ken Preston-Mafham
  • Growing Winter Hardy Cacti in Cold Wet Climate Conditions, by John N. Spain