Your budding succulent habit can start to get expensive if you have to buy new plants every time you want to expand your collection. Luckily for you, nature took care of that detail. Although succulents can be grown from seeds produced by flowers, a much more common method of new planting is through propagation. Succulents have developed several different methods of asexual reproduction (that is, they make a genetically identical copy of themselves) that most other plants do not find.
Isn't this a remarkable sight? The small plants grow leaves and form roots at the base of a single, detached leaf. This is what we aim for when we propagate cactus from leaves. The reason this works is because specialized plant cells form at the junction between the leaves and stems of succulents. Called "the meristem," these cells can form new roots, leaves, or plants, depending on what's needed. When the plant is growing normally, this meristem forms the leaves of the plant. During times of drought, aerial roots can grow to take in moisture from the surrounding air. If that part of the stem comes into contact with the soil, roots will form. And when a leaf separates from its plant, the meristem develops into an entirely new plant. Great!
How to remove succulent leaves for propagation
The simplest method of propagation is through leaves. Simply select a mature, healthy leaf and pull it off the stem. Make sure you don't break it off and leave part of the leaves stuck to the plant. If you simply pull the leaf out of the succulent plant, it is likely to leave part of the leaf and all-important meristem attached to the plant. When this happens, the leaves cannot form new roots or leaves. If it is removed correctly, the end of the leaf will be closed. When the leaf is torn from the stem by pulling it, you will see a oozing wound. The torn leaf never takes root.
Place the leaves that you have plucked on a tray or plate and leave them in the sunlight next to their parent plant. You have to wait 3-15 days for calluses to form at the tips of the leaves. Callus is like the scab of a plant - it prevents water loss and the entry of disease. It is imperative that the leaves do not receive water during callus formation. This can lead to leaf rot and will almost certainly stop the propagation process.
When misconfigured, it's time to plant your succulent seedling so it can support itself!
Place your sprouting succulent leaves on the dry succulent soil. Gently cover the roots with soil. Mist with water to wet the top of the soil. Continue misting the soil every few days, letting the soil dry in the middle. Eventually, the original leaf will be consumed by the seedling as it begins to grow and prosper. Leave your newly planted seedlings in the shade for 4 weeks. When the seedlings show significant growth and take root well, gradually move them to a sunny spot.
How long will it take to propagate water from leaves? It depends. (Yes, I know that sounds dissatisfying). In general, you will probably see your first growth on the leaf within a few weeks. The succulent variety, temperature, humidity and time of year will all have an impact on propagation time. You can declare anything at any time of the year. But some dragon species hibernate in the summer, while others stay mostly dormant in the winter. When a succulent plant is naturally less active, it will be slower to propagate. In general, spring is a good time to propagate with the fastest results.
The success rate of succulent propagation from leaves is quite high. But it is not 100%. Although I will save a fallen leaf for rooting, when I get leaves to propagate, I always take several. That way, you will always be successful. And who doesn't love succulents more?
We hope you can now confidently start breeding your succulents and creating your own growing garden. We encourage you to experiment with a variety of leaves and cuttings to find the right amount of light and water for your cactus and stimulate new growth.
