How do I propagate my succulent plant?

Succulents are not only easy to care for, they also add a unique touch to any space. Whether you are a novice plant lover or simply don't have much of a green thumb, a succulent is the ideal choice. What's more, succulents come in all shapes and colours, so there's always a type that suits your style. And best of all? Propagating succulents is a piece of cake! We're happy to explain how you do it.

What do you need to propagate a succulent?

Propagating a succulent is simple, but you do need a few things to do it properly. Fortunately, it's not a complicated process and you can quickly get started propagating your green friends. Here's what you need:

A succulent: Choose a healthy plant, preferably one with sturdy leaves that are well suited for propagation.

A sharp knife or scissors: Make sure your tools are clean and sharp. This prevents damage and reduces the risk of infection.

A small pot with potting soil: Use well-draining potting soil, specifically for succulents or cacti, so that the cutting can root properly without being exposed to too much moisture.

Step by step: how to propagate a succulent

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

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

Cut off the leaf
Cut a healthy leaf from the plant, preferably the outer leaf because it is closest to the ground. Cut as close to the base of the plant as possible, but be careful not to damage the rest of the plant.

Let the cutting dry
This is a crucial step: leave the cut cutting in a shady spot for a few days (preferably a week). The end must dry completely. This prevents the cutting from rotting once it is placed in the soil.

Plant in a small pot
Once the cutting has dried, you can plant it in a small pot with well-drained potting soil. Do not plant the cutting too deep in the soil; it should be about halfway down. Make sure the top of the cutting gets enough air so that it does not suffocate.

Water a little
Succulents do not need much water, but it is important to spray cuttings carefully. Water the cutting a little every three days, but make sure it does not get too wet. Too much water can lead to mould or rot.

Caring for your succulent cutting

Now that your cutting is safely in the soil, it is important to provide the right care so that it can grow. Here are some tips for the coming months:

Don't overwater
Succulents naturally have a high tolerance for drought, so a little water (about once a week) is sufficient once the cutting starts to grow well. However, in the first few weeks, it may be necessary to lightly spray the cutting more often.

Move to a larger pot
Once you see the cutting start to grow, it's time to move it to a larger pot. This helps the roots to develop further and stimulates healthy growth. In a larger pot, your plant will be able to spread out better and develop more vigorously.

Patience is key
Succulents grow slowly, so be patient! It can take months for your cutting to fully develop into a mature plant. But don't give up! As long as you take good care of the cutting, it will eventually start to grow and develop into a beautiful succulent.