How to plant the cuttings of succulents
This article introduces how to plant the cuttings of succulents, as well as the transplantation methods and precautions for caring for succulents, which will certainly help you. Let's learn about it together!
When growing succulents ourselves, it is essential to learn how to propagate. To make the propagated succulents grow faster, it is best to use the cutting propagation method, and the cuttings do not need to be too long.
Succulents are very unique plants. After cutting the branches and placing them for 5-7 days before propagating, there is no need to worry about them withering. If the cuttings are propagated immediately, they are more likely to rot and are difficult to root.
The cuttings of succulents can be trimmed and re-propagated after the wounds have completely healed. To propagate succulents, the following points should be noted:
1. Choose the right time
Propagation of succulents should be done during suitable periods, preferably in spring and autumn, as this is their growing season. If propagation is done during the hot summer or cold winter, it is more likely to fail.
It is best to choose cooler weather, not too humid, not too dark or excessively hot environments, with temperatures maintained between 20-28 degrees Celsius. This is a suitable time for leaf and stem propagation.
2. Choose the right potting soil
Before propagating succulents, be sure to prepare pots and soil in advance. The pots should not be too large, with a diameter generally below 15 centimeters. Large pots are not very suitable for propagating succulents, and you can also choose special seedling trays with more drainage holes at the bottom. Do not use too deep pots for propagation, as the roots of succulents are relatively shallow.
The potting soil should be selected to have good drainage and aeration. For propagating succulents, a mixture of peat soil and perlite is usually chosen, as the key is to ensure that the soil is loose and well-draining, with high aeration.
If you want to increase the chances of the cuttings taking root, you can use vermiculite or pure river sand, which are both good propagation materials. For example, vermiculite is a type of granular soil that is light in weight, has many air holes, good aeration, and water retention, which is beneficial for the cuttings to root and prevents them from rotting.
Pure river sand is also a good material for propagating cuttings, but it is important to water regularly to keep the soil properly moist and not too dry, otherwise the cuttings may wither.
3. Dry the cut ends
When trimming succulent branches, it is essential to use a sharp pair of scissors and disinfect them in advance. For longer succulent branches, they can be trimmed appropriately. The cuttings do not need to be too long, with 7-12 centimeters being sufficient for successful propagation.
If the bottom of the cuttings has too many leaves, they should be removed appropriately. If the leaves are particularly full and healthy, they can be used for leaf propagation.
Whether it's branches or leaves, after cutting, they should be dried to heal the wounds first. They can be placed in a well-ventilated, shaded area. After 5-7 days, allow the wounds to heal and form a scab before re-propagating. Do not worry that these cut branches or leaves will wither, as they are full of moisture and will not wither even if left for one or two weeks.
4. Prepare root powder
Before propagating succulents, you can prepare some root powder or root hormone solution (which can be purchased online). Before propagating, you can evenly apply root powder to the bottom of the cuttings. Then, after planting them in the soil, it can promote the cuttings to root quickly. Root powder has the function of sterilizing and promoting root growth.