How to propagate succulents in winter
A comprehensive introduction on how to propagate succulents in winter and a review of 3 propagation methods for succulents during the winter season. Here is a detailed explanation:
In November, as we enter winter, the weather gets colder each day, leaves turn yellow and fall, and flowers start to wither. In people's eyes, winter is a season of decay, but few know that it's also a great time for propagating succulents. Today, I'll introduce 3 propagation methods for succulents that are easy to learn and have a high success rate!
1. Leaf Cutting Method
The leaf cutting method is familiar to many gardening enthusiasts. Even those who don't know how to propagate can often see images and videos online of placing succulent leaves in soil for propagation. This method is suitable for most succulent varieties, such as common ones like Bear's Paws, Rosularia, Jade Tree, Graptoveria 'Bashan', Echeveria 'Autumn', and 'Pea Eggplant'. However, there are a few varieties that are not suitable for this method, such as Huernia, Sedum, and Sempervivum species.
Let's introduce the leaf cutting method in detail:
First, we need to prepare some leaves for propagation. If propagating succulents at home, try to choose leaves that are plump and healthy, then carefully break them off the plant by hand. Alternatively, you can purchase the desired variety of leaves online for propagation, which can be much cheaper than buying whole pots.
Newly broken leaves should not be inserted directly into the soil, as this can cause the wound to rot. Place the leaves in a shaded, well-ventilated area for 5-7 days to allow the wound to dry. In the pot, put some succulent soil and keep it slightly moist. If the soil is too dry, water it or spray some water. Then place the dried leaves on the soil surface without inserting them into the soil. Make sure the leaves are placed with the upper side down and the lower side up, do not mix them up.
How to propagate succulents in winter
The ideal temperature for the leaf cutting method is between 15-20 degrees Celsius. The indoor temperature in winter is usually within this range. Just place the pot in a warm, well-ventilated area indoors with a bit of scattered light, and it's very easy to root. Keep the soil slightly moist, spray water when the soil surface is dry, but do not spray on the leaves to prevent rot.
Different succulent varieties have different speeds of root growth, some will grow roots first, and some will grow small buds first. For leaves that only grow small buds and not roots, we need to spray more water on the soil surface to encourage root growth.
As the seedlings grow roots and small buds, the nutrients in the mother leaf will be gradually depleted and it will wither. When the seedlings grow to about 2 centimeters in size and have a good number of roots, they can be removed from the pot and planted in a separate small pot.
2. Stem Cutting Method