Simple Steps for Propagating Succulents
By Maria Leedeman
Succulents are really popular right now and there are ways to increase the number of plants you have without breaking the bank . Through propagation you can turn a single plant into two or more of the same . It is a way to recycle broken off pieces , as well as prunings / cuttings . Propagation is one of the most rewarding activities in the garden . It ’ s fun and new plants are great to share with friends .
• When succulents such as some Echeverias and Graptopetalum outgrow their pots or spread beyond their allotted space in beds and borders , you can prune them and use the cuttings to start new plants . The vast majority of succulents start readily from cuttings or offsets ( small plants that are attached to the parent plant ).
• Begin by cutting a rosette from the mother plant , leaving a couple inches of stem attached . You can use a knife or a garden pruner .
• Next , gently remove the lowest leaves and save them . You can propagate them as well . Nothing goes to waste when it comes to succulents .
• To get a higher yield of healthy rooted plants from your cuttings and detached leaves , set the cuttings and leaves aside in a dry , protected place , out of direct sun , until the cut end dries and seals , forming a callus ( three days to a week ).
• Plant the healed rosette in a nursery pot ( larger cuttings can go into soil-filled nursery pots ) filled with loose , well-draining potting soil or succulent mix . It could take a couple of weeks for it to develop roots .
• Water regularly , letting soil dry out between watering , as succulents don ’ t like to sit in water because they could rot .
• Smaller leaf cuttings or loose / fallen leaves can be rooted in a plastic nursery flat or any shallow tray that drains , filled with a good potting soil mix .
• Insert smaller leaf cuttings into the soil-filled flat and lay the loose leaves on top of the soil , allowing them to develop roots . Keep them out of direct sunlight as well and mist them lightly every 7-10 days . Once they have rooted you can transplant them to containers where you want to grow them .
Once your propagated cuttings and leaves have a functioning root system , they are now an independent plant that you can pot up , plant in your garden , or start the whole propagation process again . ENJOY !
IT ’ S TIME TO
o Take advantage of the rains and over seed your lawn .
o Fall is a great time to plant perennials and trees .
o Fertilize your lawn and garden before Thanksgiving .
o Cut back on your water . Shorter days and cooler weather . Visit www . garden-accents . net under Turf Tips and watch the “ water audit ” video .
o Plant your cool season veggies like broccoli , lettuce , cauliflower , carrots , spinach and peas .
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11155 Lena Avenue • 408.846.4555 • garden-accents . net o Prune your trees during their dormant season .
F A L L 2 0 1 4 M O R G A N H I L L T O D A Y
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