How do I propagate my succulent?

Succulents are not only easy to care for, they add a unique touch to any room as well. Whether you are a beginner plant lover or simply not blessed with green fingers, a succulent is the ideal choice. They also come in all sorts of shapes and colours, so there is always one to suit your style. And best of all? Propagating succulents is a piece of cake! We are happy to explain how.

What do you need to propagate a succulent?

Propagating a succulent is simple, but you do need a few things to do it properly. Happily it is not a complicated process, and you can get started multiplying your green friends before long. Here is what you need:

• A succulent: choose a healthy plant, ideally one with firm leaves that are well suited to taking cuttings.

• A sharp knife or scissors: make sure your tools are clean and sharp. That prevents damage and lowers the risk of infection.

• A small pot with potting soil: use free-draining potting soil, made specially for succulents or cacti, so the cutting can root well without standing in too much moisture.

Step by step: how to take a succulent cutting

With these simple steps you will turn your succulent into a new plant in no time! Follow the plan below and your cutting is sure to be a success.

1. Disinfect your tools
   Before you start, make sure your knife or scissors are properly clean. That keeps your plant from coming into contact with harmful bacteria or fungi.

2. Cut off a leaf
   Cut a healthy leaf from the plant, ideally an outer one because it sits closest to the soil. Cut as close to the base of the plant as you can, but take care not to damage the rest of the plant.

3. Let the cutting dry
   This step is crucial: leave the cut leaf in a shady spot for a few days, preferably a week. The cut end needs to dry out completely. That stops the cutting rotting once it goes into the soil.

4. Plant it in a small pot
   Once the cutting has dried, you can plant it in a small pot of free-draining potting soil. Do not set the cutting too deep: roughly half its length should sit below the soil. Make sure the top of the cutting gets enough air so it does not suffocate.

5. Give it a little water
   Succulents do not need much water, but with cuttings it is important to mist them carefully. Give the cutting a small drink every three days, and make sure it does not get too wet. Too much water leads to mould or rot.

Caring for your succulent cutting

Now that your cutting is safely in the soil, the right care will help it grow. Here are a few tips for the months ahead:

• Do not overwater
  Succulents are naturally very tolerant of drought, so a little water, about once a week, is enough once the cutting is growing well. In the first few weeks, though, you may need to mist it lightly more often.

• Move it to a bigger pot
  As soon as you see the cutting starting to grow, it is time to move it into a larger pot. That helps the roots develop further and encourages healthy growth. In a bigger pot your plant can spread out properly and grow more strongly.

• Patience is everything
  Succulents grow slowly, so be patient! It can take months for your cutting to develop into a full-grown plant. Do not give up, though. As long as you look after it well, it will eventually start growing and turn into a beautiful succulent.