You can definitely cut succulents and replant them. It’s a common method of propagation for succulent plants, and it’s fairly easy to do. By snipping off the tops or ends of mature stems, you can create new plants and expand your succulent collection.
To begin, choose mature stems that you want to propagate. These stems should be healthy and well-established on the parent plant. Using a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears, carefully cut off the tops or ends of the stems. It’s important to make clean cuts to minimize damage to the parent plant.
After you have made the cuts, you will notice that there are bare stems left on the original plants. These bare stems will quickly sprout new stems and continue to grow. It’s amazing how resilient succulents can be!
Next, allow the cut ends to dry and heal over for a few days. This is an important step because it helps prevent rot and infection when the cuttings are planted. Place the cuttings in a dry, shaded area and let them callous. Once the ends are dry and have formed a scab-like layer, they are ready to be planted.
When planting succulent cuttings, you have a couple of options. You can either wait a few days to insert them into new soil or plant them immediately. If you choose to plant them immediately, make sure to use well-draining soil specifically formulated for succulents. This will help prevent overwatering and root rot.
If you decide to wait a few days before planting, you can simply place the cuttings on top of the soil or in a tray. This allows the ends to further dry out and callous before they are inserted into the soil. During this waiting period, it’s important to refrain from watering the cuttings. Succulents are adapted to survive in dry conditions and can handle a few days without water.
Once the cuttings are ready to be planted, gently insert them into the soil, making sure that the calloused ends are in contact with the soil. It’s best to plant them at a slight angle to encourage root development. After planting, you can lightly water the soil, being careful not to overwater. Succulents have shallow roots, so it’s important to provide them with just enough water to keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy.
Cutting and replanting succulents is a simple and effective way to propagate new plants. By snipping off the tops or ends of mature stems and allowing them to dry and heal, you can create new succulent plants and expand your collection. Whether you plant the cuttings immediately or wait a few days, make sure to use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering. With a little patience and care, you’ll soon have a thriving succulent garden filled with your propagated plants.
