Kalanchoe can definitely be rooted from cuttings! In fact, it’s one of the easiest ways to propagate these lovely succulents. I’ve personally had great success with rooting kalanchoe cuttings, so I can speak from experience on this topic.
To start, you’ll need a healthy kalanchoe plant and a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears. Look for a stem that is about 3-4 inches long and has a few sets of leaves. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, as this is where the new roots will develop.
After you’ve taken your cutting, you’ll want to let it dry out for a day or two. This helps to prevent rot and allows a callus to form on the cut end. Once the cutting has calloused over, you can proceed with rooting it.
There are a few different methods you can try for rooting kalanchoe cuttings. One option is to place the cutting directly into a well-draining potting mix. I like to use a mixture of cactus soil and perlite, as it provides good drainage for the roots. Simply insert the cutting into the soil, burying the bottom node, and lightly water it. Keep the soil lightly moist, but not soggy, and place the pot in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight.
Another method is to root the cutting in water. Fill a glass or jar with water, and place the cutting in it so that the bottom node is submerged. Make sure that the leaves are not touching the water, as this can cause them to rot. Change the water every few days to prevent any bacterial growth. In a few weeks, you should start to see roots forming on the cutting. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot with well-draining soil.
Regardless of the method you choose, it’s important to give your cutting some time to establish roots before you expect to see new growth. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the conditions and the specific kalanchoe variety.
Once your cutting has rooted and established itself, you can treat it like a mature kalanchoe plant. Provide it with bright, indirect sunlight and water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Kalanchoe plants are known for their ability to handle neglect, so they don’t require frequent watering.
In addition to stem cuttings, kalanchoe plants also produce offsets, which are small plantlets that grow at the base of the mother plant. These offsets can be gently separated from the main plant and potted up to grow into new plants. It’s a great way to expand your kalanchoe collection or share plants with friends and family.
Kalanchoe can be easily rooted from cuttings. Whether you choose to root them in soil or water, with a little patience and care, you can successfully propagate these beautiful succulents and enjoy them for years to come.
