by Jan Petrzalka, El Paso Master Gardener
Propagating succulents is rewarding, easy and inexpensive. In addition to raising plants from seed, there are a variety of methods of succulent propagation including cross pollination, division, grafting and cuttings. Since most succulents are winter-dormant, the best time to propagate is in the spring as they begin actively growing and before summer heat intensifies. Summer-dormant plants should be started in the fall.
Most succulents are not native to El Paso, but many are adapted to our climate and thrive with a minimum of care. To ensure success, research the light, temperature, soil, water and nutrient requirements of the succulent you want to grow. Get your succulents off to a good start with a soil that is open in texture and free draining yet able to retain moisture. A commercial cactus mix works well, or you can make your own with one-third potting soil, one-third playground sand and one-third washed grit. Do not add anything that contains peat moss.
Cuttings are possibly the quickest and easiest way to propagate succulents. Most plants can be increased from stem and leaf cuttings. Choose a stem from a healthy parent plant and, with a sharp knife, garden shears or scissors, cut straight across the stem just above a bud or shoot. Trim the stem so that the cutting is 2-4 inches long and remove any lower leaves. Allow the cutting to dry in a warm place for a few days until a callus forms on the bottom of the stem. Fill a small pot with potting media, plant the stem and firm gently. Fat-leaved succulents will form roots and even new plants at the base of dropped or cut leaves. Rest the leaf, stem end down, atop potting soil. Keep soil moist but not soggy to avoid rotting. Succulents need some water when in active growth but survive long droughts so if in doubt, water sparingly. In spring and fall, water plants every one to two weeks. Plants in smaller pots may need more frequent watering in summer, but it is important to allow them to dry out between watering. Fertilize regularly, but apply at half the normal strength recommended for other plants.
Other methods of propagation are equally as easy as cuttings and details are readily available on the internet. Explore your options and experiment with the many ways to expand your succulent garden.
Succulent images by Jan Petrzelka, El Paso Master Gardener:
Left: Watch Chain, Kiwi Aeonium and Peanut Cactus
Middle: Kalanchoe and Sedum
Right: Necklace Plant, Sedum and Jade Plant