Explore Leaf Propagation, Hens and Chicks, & Stem Plant Cuttings

Succulents are unique for so many reasons. Often watching a little succulent grow from a mother succulent is one of the reasons, so many people fall in love with succulents. Succulent propagation is one of the most rewarding things to do. Watching how one succulent plant can turn into 20-30 new succulent plants is incredible. If you love succulent plants as much as we do at Succulents Club, then chances are you are asking, "How do you do succulent propagation?" 

Succulent plants are not only simple to cultivate and maintain, but it is also possible for anyone to reproduce the species. Before we unpack the methods and types of succulent propagation, we want to take a minute to start with the basics. 

What is succulent propagation? 

In the simplest way to understand, succulent propagation uses elements of a mature succulent to grow a new succulent plant. The technique of growing a new succulent from a portion of a mature succulent species is known as propagation. Even though propagation is a straightforward process, some kinds can be trickier to work with than others.

Various methods are successful in the journey of succulent propagation. These methods involve using hens and chicks, succulent plant leaf cuttings, and stem cuttings from a mother succulent. One of the last ways to propagate succulents we will look at is using seeds. We will cover some of the following methods, succulent propagation with water, succulent propagation with soil, and dry succulent propagation. 

Succulent Propagation Methods:

We will review the various propagating methods. Here are the three main methods for propagating succulent plants that are simple to use.

Succulent Dry Propagation:

Air propagation is another name for this miraculous technique, dry propagation. To propagate entails preserving the components of your succulent parent plant on a tray. With the dry succulent propagation method, you may grow a second plant for your house or yard without spending much time on maintenance, which is as hassle-free as it sounds. The dry succulent propagation method presents fewer risks of root rot and insect infections. 

Succulent Propagation Water Method:

The water method of succulent propagation seems to contradict what we typically know about succulents. However, more and more people are experiencing success using water to propagate succulents. The ideal way it works is the succulent plants are rooted in water and then put in a potting mix when using the water propagation technique. It can be exciting to propagate succulents in water without soil.

Succulent Soil Propagation Method:

Most argue that succulent soil propagation is the best method. Using the soil to propagate succulent plants seems to be expected because that is most often how we see succulents reproduce themselves when left alone in gardens. The leaves fall off into the soil, and naturally, we see a new succulent emerge and grow in the soil. This is done by taking a leaf, placing it on the soil mixture, and waiting for the new succulent to emerge. We will further explore how to do each of these methods in more depth. 

Types of Succulent Propagation:

The primary types of propagation are the following:

1. Succulent Leaf Propagation
2. Stem Propagation
3. Hens and Chicks Propagation
4. Succulent Seed Propagation

However, this article will only cover the most common forms of succulent propagation: Succulent leaf propagation, stem propagation, and hens and chicks propagation. 

Succulent Leaf Propagation

Propagating succulents using leaves is often an easy process. Our team at Succulents Club has taken the time to help ensure we equip you with how to use leaves to propagate succulents. You can read the succulent leaf propagation guide to learn more. However, we will help explain it here for you. There are a few steps you can take. 

Succulent Leaf Propagation Step #1: Remove the succulent leaf from its mother plant. You can most often do this by applying just a little pressure, and the leaf will pop into your hands. Yes, step one is really that easy! 

Succulent Leaf Propagation Step #2: 

Place the succulent leaf on a dry plate or tray. Allow the little leaf to dry out in the sun or near a window for a few days. As the leaf begins to appear to die, you may see small roots extending from the succulent leaf. These succulents have a strong desire to live on, so they will work with you in the propagation process.  

Succulent Leaf Propagation Step #3:

Once your little succulent leaf sprouts roots, you are ready for step number three in the succulent leaf propagation voyage. Take your leaf and move it to some soil or a pot where you want to plant your succulent. The soil should be somewhat dry. You will want to mist your succulent once a week while it grows into a new plant. Do not allow your succulent leaf to be exposed to heavy rain or even too much sun. It must get rooted in the soil during this step. 

Succulent Leaf Propagation Step #4:

The next step in succulent leaf propagation is arguably the most rewarding. Step four is where we begin to see the mini succulent form at the base of the leaf. During this part of the leaf propagation process, you move to water your mini succulent plant every other week. Now that your leave is a mini succulent, it is time to start neglecting your little guy. As we know, most succulents prefer to be neglected rather than overwatered. 

Succulent Leaf Propagation Step #5:

The last leaf propagation step may not be necessary, depending on where your mini succulent is located. This step involves repotting your succulent. It is best to wait until your mini succulent grows to at least 1 inch before moving it to another pot. 

Succulent Plant Cuttings Propagation: 

Using succulent plant cuttings for propagation is often one of the easiest ways to create new plants. Many succulents will self propagate, meaning they will create hens and chicks, mini succulents attached to the mother succulent. These chicks can be cut off from the 'hen' mother succulent and moved to a new pot. Another way you can use the succulent plant cutting propagation method is to cut a whole or part of a succulent stem and move it to another pot. Cutting a stem is common with succulents like Elephant Food, String of Buttons, and even Black Rose. Many other types of succulents use this method for propagation. To learn more, read our in-depth review of "Succulent Propagation using Stem Cutting." 

Hens and Chicks Propagation:

You may have read or heard the phrase hens and chicks in reference to succulents. In simple terms, this is when a succulent mother 'hen' will create 'chicks' which are baby succulents still attached. These mother hens shoot off succulent stems that sprout another mini succulent chick, similar to how a human has an umbilical cord. Many types of succulents reproduce using this method. Watching your succulent plant suddenly become two or three succulent plants is rewarding. These chick succulents can be cut off the mother hen and moved to a new pot. Then you get to watch your hen grow into a mature succulent plant only to one day propagate their own little chicks. Eventually, succulent chicks will start the propagation process all over again.