How to propagate succulent & cacti plants using cuttings ~ Mini Blog

In this gardening tip, we will see how to reproduce cacti and succulent plants using stem cuttings. Don't miss out on this simple way to propagate cacti!

Knowing how to propagate succulents by cuttings is one of the most useful things you can learn. The reasons are several:

It is a simple and effective way to increase your collection of succulents without spending extra money.
Many species of succulents can be reproduced by this method.

Different ways to do it

When it comes to reproducing cacti or succulent plants, we can choose different methods. One of them is reproduction by seeds. Again, leaves can also be used to propagate new plants. These options are, however, one of the slowest processes. For this reason, reproduction by cuttings is often used.

How to propagate succulent & cacti plants using cuttings

Reproduce succulent plants using stem cuttings

To reproduce your cacti with the cuttings technique you have to learn a series of steps. Keep in mind that it is a form of asexual reproduction because the plant does not need to be fertilized to reproduce.

That is, each cutting will be a copy of the mother plant. Many succulent species can be reproduced in this way and, since you only need a mother plant, it is very easy to do. In particular, this is one of our favorite forms of propagation because it is faster than reproduction by leaf or by seed.

A cutting can fall from the plant spontaneously by the action of the wind or an animal attack. In this case, it takes root in the ground and develops a new plant. That is the natural process. The manual way is to cut a cutting from the mother three.

Propagation by cuttings is a very simple process. The first thing we must do is to cut a piece of the stem of the cactus or the succulent plant that we want to reproduce. When cutting the piece, we must make sure that it is at least 10 centimeters in length.

Now that you've learned how to make cuttings, follow these steps to learn how to propagate a succulent or cactus:

Watering the mother plant a few days before stem cutting:

In this way, the succulent will have time to hydrate and build up water reserves. Well-hydrated cuttings have more energy to root and grow into independent plants.

Disinfect the Tools before cutting the stems

You can use scissors or a utility knife to cut the cuttings, but remember to previously disinfect the material with 70% isopropyl alcohol. If you do not disinfect the tool you use for this part of the process, you can put the health of your plant at risk, both the mother plant and the new cutting. It will be more vulnerable to the appearance of diseases or pests.

Selection and Cutting

The selection of cuttings is one of the most delicate steps. It is important to take special care in choosing cuttings that look healthy, with good hydration of the leaves, with good color and good appearance in general.

Avoid, whenever possible, cuttings that have yellow, brown or black spots. These are probably the consequence of bad irrigation practice.

Do not take cuttings when the mother plant is in a dormant state. Because there is a possibility that those cuttings will remain inactive and may never form roots. During the winter season, most of the succulents go to a dormant state. Therefore, spring or summer is the best time for propagation.

Once you are done with the selection part then try to make a cut as clean as possible to avoid possible damage to the plant. Spray 70% isopropyl alcohol on the cut ends of both the mother plant and the cutting. This would help in avoiding rot.

Remove the lower leaves from the cutting

Remove the leaves from the lowest part of each stem. You should leave about an inch of peeled stem without leaves. In this way, you will leave enough space for the new roots and to avoid rotting of the leaves during the propagation process.

We always say that these leaves removed from the stem should not be discarded. Take the opportunity to reproduce them by following the steps of the reproduction of succulents by leaf or, simply, you can spread them over the mother plant's own pot and, with a bit of luck, they will multiply naturally.

Let the cuttings heal

This is another critical point in the reproduction of succulents by cuttings. It is important to be patient because your ability to wait for the cutting to heal properly depends on the success of the process.

Place the cuttings on an absorbent surface, such as coarse sand. The storage must be a bright place protected from the rain and direct sunlight.

Wait a week for the main cut to heal, as well as the small wounds made when removing the leaves.

Plant the cuttings

After allowing the cuttings to heal for at least a week, it's time to plant! You just need to choose a suitable pot and prepare some substrate for succulents. It is important to use a substrate mixed with sand or a special substrate for succulent plants or cacti. Or you can simply use coarse sand.

Drive the cuttings into the substrate, leaving the "bare" part of the stem buried and the leaves above the surface.

If you want to accelerate the growth process, you can apply hormones, but it is not the most advisable. The best thing is that it grows naturally.

Water your cuttings

Two days after planting your cuttings you can start watering.

You should water abundantly every time the substrate dries completely. As the days go by, the cuttings will take root and become new independent plants. When the roots are fully developed then you can transfer them to a pot. Finally, water the plant in the usual way that cacti/succulents require. The rule is simple, water the plant when at least one inch of the top soil surface feels dry to touch.

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Sunday, March 14, 2021