Q&A: Succulent and Cactus Propagation

Caring for succulents could be quite tricky and challenging sometimes! But don’t worry, you have us by your side and we will help you out! Hence, we have answered the most common questions regarding succulent and cactus propagation. We hope that you will find what you need in this blog! If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to leave us a comment or reach out to us via support@succulentsbox.com. Now, enjoy!

1. What are some methods to propagate succulents?

Succulent propagation can be done by using leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, offsets, or seeds from the mother plant.

For more information, please refer to this blog: Succulent Propagation

2. What is the fastest succulent propagation method?

We highly recommend you to try out different propagation methods to see which one is the most suitable for you. While the leaf propagation is considered to be the most common method among succulent growers, stem propagation, however, is the fastest propagation method of all. With stem propagation, it usually takes about 4 weeks for roots to sprout, depending on your climate and environment.

For more information, please refer to this blog on Succulent Propagation

3. Can we propagate a string of pearls from its pearl?

Yes, we can but it’s quite difficult since most leaves (pearls) might rot. That’s why we suggest that you should propagate strings of pearls from cuttings.

However, if you still want to explore a new method of propagating from a pearl, give it a try! Growing a whole new String of Pearls plant just from a leaf takes a long time. You need to check the leaf frequently to prevent rotting. To know more about care tips for string of pearls, please visit our blog How to care for String of Pearls

4. With water propagation with leaves, do we continue to leave the roots above the water, or can they sit in water after they grow for a month?

Photo via sixcleversisters.com

During the whole process, do not let the leaves sit in the water, you have to keep the roots above the water. After 1-2 months, you can transfer your succulents from water to soil. Before doing that, make sure to allow it to air-dry on a paper towel for about a day or two. Once the roots have dry out, gently burrow your succulent into an unfertilized cactus soil and put it in an area where they can only get bright and indirect light.

Please check out this blog for more information: Water Propagation for Succulents

5. Will the leaves be over-watered with water propagation?

With water propagation, you don’t let the leaves touch the water, but you keep it about ½ - 1 inch away from the water surface by using a plastic wrapper. Besides, you don’t need to water them during the whole grow period. In this way, there is no way that your leaves can be overwatered since they do not touch the water at all. 

Please check out this blog for more information: Water Propagation for Succulents

6. What are some methods to propagate cactus?

Cactus propagation can be done by using stem cuttings, pads, or offsets from the mother plant.

For more information, please check out our blog How to propagate cactus easy and fast

7. Should I plant the pad/stem cutting/offset in the soil immediately after cutting them from the mother cactus?

Photo via bybrittanygoldwyn.com 

You should allow your cuttings to callous over for around 3 days, then plant them in a well-drained potting mix. A month after that, you should see the root system! 

For more information, please check out our blog How to propagate cactus easy and fast

8. With the Cutting Propagation method for cactus, will the mother plant grow closed again?

No it won’t. However, with proper care, your mother plant can grow new pups from the cut point! In addition, you can also have fun with grafting and create a new cactus! 

For more information, please check out our blog How to propagate cactus easy and fast

9. What is cactus grafting?

Grafting is a process of one species being grown onto a wounded piece of another. This way, you can have control over what kind of the new cactus species you want to produce. It’s totally your creation! 

For more information, please visit our blog How to graft a cactus

10. What are the steps to do grafting?

The grafted part is called a scion and the base or rooted part is the rootstock (or in this case, you called it mother plant). There are 4 basic steps:

• Step 1: Choose a healthy plant to be the rootstock and prepare a scion. Our advice is that you should choose 2 plants in the same genus since it has a high possibility of the best outcome. The closer the better. 
• Step 2: Cut off the top of 1 plant to be the scion, then behead a cactus that you want to be the rootstock. 
• Step 3: Set the scion on top of the cut portion of the still rooted rootstock, use rubber bands to hold the pieces joined as one. 
• Step 4: In about two months, you can remove the rubber bands and the union should be sealed.

Now you can name your very own unique plant! 

Hope this blog is helpful to you! If you haven’t found your answer here, please leave us a comment below and we’ll get back to you right away!

Check out this quick video to see 4 mistake to avoid when propagating succulents

Check out this quick video to see how to propagate succulents in water

Check out this quick video to see how to propagate cactus easy & fast

See more about HOW TO GRAFT A CACTUS

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