The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 13 Winter 2015 Low res | Page 12

Propagation

Propagating succulents
with Cosmas
I have found that winter is the best time to propagate
succulents because they prefer cooler conditions to send
out roots. If you do them in summer, especially if outdoors,
they may rot due to wet conditions.
Succulent leaf cuttings

1. I prefer to propagate Echeveria, Pachyphytums and
many species of the Crassula family by leaf cuttings.
2. First remove the mature, healthy leaves by pulling
them out from the stem and then allow the wound to
dry off for one day in a semi shaded place.
3. Prepare a seed tray with holes at the bottom and fill
with half clean river sand and half compost.

Succulent rosette cuttings
Use this method when Echeveria and Pachyphytums plants
are becoming overcrowded with rosettes
1. Cut off a rosette with a clean knife from the mother
plant, making sure you remove it with a fair amount of
stem. Leave it for one or two days to dry off and callus.
2. Fill the pot or tray with clean river sand, making sure
there are holes for drainage.
3. With a clean stick, the size of a pencil, make holes in
the medium. Then, gently push a rosette cutting into
a hole so it stands upright, not too deep as it may rot.
Finally, firm the soil around.
4. After planting and labelling, put in a bright warm
place and water twice a week ,initially, until roots are
established.
5. After four to six weeks, roots will be formed and ready
to plant out. Be careful not to over water them.
6. When they become overcrowded, it is time to
propagate the rosettes again.

4. Press holes into the medium and then press a quarter
of the leaf into the medium.
5. Space the leaf cuttings about 2cms apart.
6. Label the plant with name and date.
7. Put in a bright, warm place, keeping it slightly moist.
8. After a couple of months, when the leaves have rooted
and produced new plantlets, they are ready to plant out.