How to Propagate Succulents from Cuttings or Leaves

Propagating succulents is easy! Find out how to propagate succulents from clippings and leaves.

hand holding three small succulent leaves that have sprouted new leaves and roots | Maison de Pax

As I mentioned in my post on succulent care 101, one of the best features of succulents is their ability to grow roots from mere cuttings. Seriously, you can grow a whole new plant from a succulent stem or leaf! Now if only money worked the same way… 😉

hands holding succulent cuttings and leaves for propagating with overlay: how to propagate succulents | Maison de Pax

Propagating Succulents from Cuttings

This plant started as a tiny little succulent (just a 4″ pot, I think). As you can see, it has flourished over the past couple of years.

purple succulent growing large | Maison de Pax

And the best part is that each of those little stems can grow an entirely new plant. I’ve broken off pieces of this guy and propagated the clippings to at least 10 other pots (some of which I’ve given away).

blue glazed strawberry pot with succulent varieties | Maison de Pax

To propagate a succulent from a cutting, simply break or cut off a piece with enough stem to bury and clear off any leaves for at least an inch or two.

small succulent stem ready for propagation | Maison de Pax

Then stick the stem cuttings down into the soil; wait a day or two (you don’t want to drown the plant immediately), and then water the pot as usual. Before you know it, they will start to grow roots and you’ll have another plant!

small succulent clipping ready for propagation in soil | Maison de Pax

Propagating Succulents from Leaves

Some succulent plants have longer stems, making it a natural choice to propagate from stem clippings. But others are better propagated from leaves.

Pot of mixed succulents | Maison de Pax

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Succulent plants and cacti with broader, flatter leaves (and shorter, less obvious stems) seem to work best in this method. To propagate a succulent plant from leaves, simply remove a leaf right at the base by twisting gently or cutting with a sharp knife. It’s important that the leaf be removed right where it meets the stem. Partial leaves will likely not propagate.

Now simply place your leaf cutting on top of the soil in a pot prepared for succulents (get my perfect recipe for easy DIY succulent soil here, or order some from Amazon here). It doesn’t need its own pot; a little empty space on another healthy cactus succulent pot will work perfectly! Wait 2-3 days at least for the cutting to dry out a bit, then water as normal.

Succulent pot with succulent leaves waiting to propagate | Maison de Pax

In a couple of weeks (or possibly sooner if you’re really lucky), you’ll begin to see new roots and leaves coming out of the base of the leaf.

hand holding succulent leaf that has propagated with tiny new growth of roots and leaves | Maison de Pax

At this point, you can allow the plant to really dig in and grow in that pot, or you can transfer it to a new succulent garden or a fun, unique tiny pot. If you move it, it’s safest if you gather a little dirt underneath it so you don’t damage its new roots.

succulent leaf with new growth being replanted with a spoon | Maison de Pax

Now get all the info you need to keep those new succulent babies alive here. Shop some succulent pots below if you need ideas… And enjoy your new little succulent plants!

Don’t forget to pin it. 🙂

hand holding succulent leaves with new growth and overlay: how to propagate succulents | Maison de Pax

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2 Comments

  1. So you don’t even stick the leaf in the dirt? Just lay it on top of the soil? May e that’s what I did wrong bc mine did not take off. Also, I had the cutest little succulent that thrived for a year and seemingly overnight, died. It wilted flat. Possibly overwatered? What’s your opinion?

    1. Hmm! I’m so sorry that happened. Was there any moisture in the soil at all? Lay on top and gently press is all I do.

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