How to propagate succulent leaves
Article summary: Knowledge about how to propagate succulent leaves and the fastest method for succulent leaf cuttings in horticulture, next, the editor will introduce to netizens.
Autumn is a good time for propagating succulents, but many gardening enthusiasts fail to make it grow, either not germinating or not rooting,折腾 (struggling) for one or two months, many leaves are broken off without any seedlings growing. In fact, succulents are a type of plant that is very easy to propagate with leaves. I propagate some every spring and autumn. Here I share my "lazy" propagation method with flower friends, ensuring no leaf is wasted and a near 100% survival rate.
Leaves picked in early July, all have germinated
What is the "lazy" propagation method
The so-called "lazy" propagation method means that after the succulent leaves are picked, do not rush to propagate them. Instead, place them in a basket or small tray and put them in a cool and well-ventilated place, waiting for them to root and germinate on their own. For more robust succulent varieties, such as Tiya, Zizhu Zhu, Zile, and Yin Nü Xin, they usually germinate in about 15 days, followed by rooting. For less robust varieties, such as Tao Dan (considered less robust among the common ones I grow), it usually takes 25-30 days to germinate and root. Once all the succulent leaves have germinated and rooted, they can be directly planted in the prepared growing medium, where they will take root and start growing. In about half a year, the small seedlings will grow into medium-sized ones.
Soft leaves are easier to root and germinate
Advantages of the "lazy" propagation method
1. Convenient and guaranteed survival rate
The advantage of the "lazy" propagation method is that it requires minimal care and has a high survival rate. Compared to water bottle propagation or coarse sand propagation, it is much simpler. The leaves can root and germinate on their own, and all you need to do is transplant the small seedlings after they grow. If you don't have time to transplant immediately after the succulent leaves have rooted and germinated, it's fine, they will continue to grow.
Strong seedlings growing
2. No black rot or water rot
When using the "lazy" propagation method, the leaves will not rot or turn black. I have never experienced such a situation with my propagations. As long as the leaves are intact, undamaged, and mature, they will germinate. Some may germinate earlier, and some later.
How to propagate succulent leaves
No leaf has rotted or turned black
Why the "lazy" propagation method has a high survival rate
When using the "lazy" method, the succulent leaves have no source of nutrients and moisture, so they can only consume the nutrients and moisture stored within themselves to maintain vitality. The more nutrients and moisture are consumed, the greater the sense of crisis, making it easier to root and germinate in search of new survival methods. If propagating succulents using traditional methods, the leaves come into contact with the potting soil, which can replenish moisture, resulting in high cell water content, so there is no immediate need to root and germinate. However, leaves that are separated from the mother plant for too long have reduced resistance, and if they do not root and germinate for a long time, cell activity decreases, leading to infection by pathogens, rotting, or black rot, and ultimately failing to propagate.
Very lush roots
Points to note for the "lazy" propagation method
1. Do not get wet
After picking the succulent leaves, do not let them get wet or exposed to rain, as this can easily cause rot. Keep them dry, place them in a wide-mouth container, and let them sit there waiting for roots. Some gardening friends may wipe or wash the picked succulent leaves because they look a bit dirty. This is unnecessary, as the old leaves will be consumed anyway, so there's no need for them to be so clean.
Dry leaf surface, no water for more than a month
2. You can expose to some sunlight
If your succulent leaves are thick and contain a lot of water, you can expose them to some sunlight to consume some of the moisture, making the leaves softer and more conducive to rooting and germination. However, be careful, exposing succulent leaves to direct sunlight or strong light can damage the leaves and kill the buds at the roots, which is not conducive to rooting and germination. You can place them in a diffused light or semi-shaded area. I usually put them on a table by the east wall, where they can get some sunlight in the afternoon when the light is weaker. After a few days of exposure, the leaves become soft, and then moved to a cool and well-ventilated place, they can root quickly.