One of the notable advantages of succulents is their ease of propagation. Whether through offsets, leaves, or stem cuttings, succulents readily reproduce and multiply, making them an ideal choice for those looking to expand their succulent collection or share plants with others.
There are lots of benefits of easy propagation. First, you can expand your collection or create new succulent plants in a cost-effective way. Secondly, propagation allows you to quickly increase the number of succulents you have. What’s more, succulent propagation allows you to observe their growth process from the earliest stages, gaining insights into the unique characteristics of different succulent types.
Here are 10 succulents that are easy to propagate below. Let’s get more information about them!
1. Kalanchoe Daigremontiana
Kalanchoe Daigremontiana, also called Mother of Thousands or Alligator Plant, is known for its ease of propagation due to its unique reproductive strategy. It is native to the Fiherenana River valley and Androhibolava mountains in southwest Madagascar. The succulent is well established and an aggressive weed naturalized almost everywhere and commonly spreading along roadsides and on waste areas. The exudates of its roots can inhibit the growth of nearby plants, as can extracts of its shoots. Click here to learn the difference Between Mother of Thousands and Mother of Millions.
The reason why it's easy to propagate
a. Low care requirement: This succulent plant is almost indestructible and does not require any care. No care at all; it will grow. It likes water, but it is very drought-tolerant. Throw it in the trash piles, and it just keeps growing and flowering.
b. Fast propagation rate: Be careful with this type of succulent in outdoor culture. Once it gets into a planting bed, it is almost impossible to get rid of it, a few tiny plantlets seem to survive any attempt to weeding them out every time, and then they reproduce like crazy again.
c. Plantlets on leaf margins: One of the distinctive features of Kalanchoe Daigremontiana is its plantlets along the edges of the leaves. These plantlets are small clones of the parent plant. This vegetative reproduction contributes to its ease of propagation since it doesn't rely on complex processes like pollination and seed germination.
How to propagate Kalanchoe Daigremontiana
The EASIEST way to propagate Kalanchoe Daigremontiana is by using the plantlets that develop along the edges of its leaves. Gently detach the plantlets, prepare a succulent soil, and let it grows.
Note: Parts of Kalankoe daigremontiana is toxic, it contains a cardiac glycoside – daigremontianin. All members of Kalanchoe are toxic for livestock, birds, small animals and humans. Click here to shop the pet-safe succulents.
2. Sempervivum Tectorum
Sempervivum Tectorum, commonly known as Common Houseleek or Hens and Chicks, is a perennial succulent plant that belongs to the Crassulaceae family. Sempervivum Tectorum forms rosettes of fleshy leaves. The leaves are typically green but can display various shades of red, brown, or purple, depending on the cultivar and environmental conditions. Sempervivum Tectorum is a low grower that forms "chicks" around the main rosette. The plantlets or offsets can be easily detached and replanted to create new plants. Sempervivum Tectorum is also known for its ability to self-sow, producing seeds that can lead to new plants.
The reason why it's easy to propagate
a. Special offset formation: Sempervivum Tectorum produces offsets which are smaller versions of the parent plant and are connected to it by short stolons. They grow in clusters and eventually become independent individuals.
b. Strong rooting ability: The offsets of Sempervivum Tectorum have the natural ability to root easily when placed in a suitable growing medium. Once detached from the parent plant, these offsets can develop roots relatively quickly, allowing for successful propagation.
c. Resilience and vigorous Growth: Sempervivum Tectorum is a tough succulent that can adapt to various environmental conditions. The plant is capable of withstanding dry spells and can tolerate neglect. Its ability to thrive and grow in different climates and soil conditions enhances its ease of propagation. Click here to learn how to care for hens and chicks.
How to propagate Sempervivum Tectorum
The easiest way to propagate Sempervivum Tectorum is through offset division. Identify mature offsets, Gently separate the offsets, and plant the offsets. Their roots will establish and grow.
You can also propagate the succulent from seeds. The seeds are produced through blooming, although unfortunately, the process in Sempervivum is often referred to as "Death Blooming". This term signifies that the mother plant reaches the end of its life cycle after flowering, leaving behind seeds for the continuation of life.
3. Echeveria 'Lola'
Echeveria 'Lola' is a succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. It is a hybrid variety between Echeveria 'Tippy' and Echeveria Lilacina. Under strong light, the tips of the leaves display a lovely pink color. The leaves have a slightly powdery texture and can vary in color from light gray, blue, green, to even pink-purple. During spring and fall, it can be grown outdoors or provided with abundant sunlight.
The reason why it's easy to propagate
a. Resilient nature: Echeveria 'Lola' is known for its ability to adapt to different light levels and temperature ranges. This resilience makes it less prone to stress during the propagation process, increasing the chances of successful propagation.
b. Compact growth and rosette formation: The compact growth habit and rosette formation of Echeveria ''Lola'' contribute to its ease of propagation. The tight arrangement of leaves allows for easy separation of offsets from the parent plant without causing significant damage. Click here to learn how to propagate succulents from leaves.
c. Offset Production: Echeveria ''Lola'' typically produces offsets around the base of the main rosette. These offsets are genetically identical clones of the parent plant. They can be easily detached and replanted to establish new plants, making propagation straightforward.
How to propagate Echeveria 'Lola'
The most reliable methods are leaf and beheading propagation. Behead 'Lola' to force it to grow new pups from the wounded area. With both methods, you will need to let the cuttings dry for a day and then plant in succulent potting mix.
4. Sedum Rubrotinctum Roseum
Sedum Rubrotinctum Roseum, commonly known as Pink Jelly Bean Plant or Pink Stonecrop, is a cultivar of Sedum rubrotinctum. The leaves of Sedum rubrotinctum 'Roseum' exhibit a combination of colors. The base color of the leaves is typically greenish-blue, while the edges or tips may display shades of pink, red, or purple. The intensity of the pink coloration can vary depending on environmental conditions and the plant's overall health.
The reason why it's easy to propagate
Growth habit: 'Roseum' is a low-growing succulent that forms dense, mat-like clusters of rosettes. The rosettes grow close to the ground and spread through offsets or small plantlets that emerge from the base of the main rosette. Handling the succulent leaves roughly may cause them to detach easily, but this characteristic is actually a promising sign for successful propagation! This natural trait serves as a survival mechanism, as those fallen leaves have the potential to sprout and grow into new plants. It's like filling your garden with an abundance of colorful jelly beans, ready to delight and multiply!
How to propagate Sedum Rubrotinctum Roseum
Sedum rubrotinctum 'Roseum' can be propagated through various methods, including division of offsets and stem cuttings. Both methods have high success rates, making it convenient for succulent enthusiasts to propagate and multiply their 'Roseum' plants. Click here to learn how to propagate succulents from stems.
5. Sedum Clavatum
Sedum Clavatum, commonly known as Stonecrop or Club-shaped Stonecrop, is a species of succulent plant belonging to the Crassulaceae family. The rosettes of Sedum Clavatum are composed of fleshy, cylindrical or club-shaped leaves that are typically green in color. The leaves have a smooth texture and may develop reddish or purplish tinges under certain environmental conditions.
The reason why it's easy to propagate
a. Rapid Growth: Sedum Clavatum has a relatively fast growth rate compared to many other succulent species. This means that once propagated, it tends to establish and grow quickly, allowing for faster development of new plants.
b. Stoloniferous Nature: Sedum Clavatum produces stolons, which are horizontal above-ground stems that develop from the base of the plant. These stolons can produce roots and new plantlets along their length, making the succulent easy to propagate without human intervention.
How to propagate Sedum Clavatum
Sedum Clavatum can be propagated through various methods. Offsets propagation, stem cuttings and seeds propagation. But the easiest way to propagate Sedum Clavatum is through stem cuttings. Click here to learn tips on succulent propagation.
6. Sedeveria Markus
Sedeveria Markus leaves are arranged closely in a lotus-like pattern. With proper care, the leaves will appear tightly packed and exhibit an orange-red color, which is very charming. Achieving a slightly pink and captivating appearance is relatively achievable with sufficient sunlight and moderate watering.
The reason why it's easy to propagate
Easy to bud: Marcus has a robust growth habit, growing relatively fast and easily producing side shoots, forming a multi-headed old succulent tree. It’s so easy for Sedeveria Markus to produce side buds that both leaf cuttings and stem cuttings are easily successful in propagation. Click here to learn what is succulent tree.
How to propagate Sedeveria Markus
Propagation by leaf cuttings is usually successful, and the plant grows quickly after budding, often in large clusters. If you want to encourage Marcus to grow more side branches and shoots, you can behead the succulent to create a bushier appearance. Click here to learn How to propagate succulents from offsets.
7. Graptopetalum Paraguayense cv. Bronze
Graptopetalum Paraguayense cv. Bronze is a cultivated variety of the species Graptopetalum Paraguayense, commonly known as Ghost Plant or Mother of Pearl plant. This variety is specifically selected for its bronze or reddish coloration, which adds an appealing and unique touch to the plant's appearance.
The reason why it's easy to propagate
Hardy and Resilient Nature: Graptopetalum Paraguayense cv. Bronze is a hardy succulent that can tolerate a variety of growing conditions. It is resilient to drought and can adapt to different light levels. This resilience makes the plant less susceptible to stress during the propagation process, resulting in higher success rates.
How to propagate Graptopetalum Paraguayense cv. Bronze
Propagation through offset division has a high success rate. The offsets are genetically identical clones of the parent plant, ensuring that they inherit the desirable traits and characteristics of Graptopetalum paraguayense cv. Bronze. With proper care and suitable growing conditions, the offsets have a good chance of successfully growing into mature plants.
8. Orostachys Boehmeri
Orostachys Boehmeri, also known as dunce cap, is a succulent plant belonging to the stonecrop family and native to Japan. This unique succulent typically forms a basal rosette similar to sempervivums. The rosette that flowers eventually dies off after blooming, but the younger offsets, which have not yet produced flowers, remain and continue to grow. These offsets ensure the perpetuation of the species, allowing the dunce cap succulent to thrive and persist over time.
The reason why it's easy to propagate
a. Abundant Offset Production: Orostachys Boehmeri typically produces a generous number of pups around the main rosette. These offsets are genetically identical clones of the parent plant and are ready for propagation. The abundance of offsets provides plenty of material for successful propagation attempts.
b. Rapid Growth: Orostachys Boehmeri stands out for its rapid growth rate, surpassing that of many other succulent species. This means that once propagated, it readily establishes itself and grows at an accelerated pace, leading to a swift development of new plants.
How to propagate Orostachys Boehmeri
Orostachys Boehmeri can be propagated by seeds, stolons, and separating offshoots. The most common and effective options are stolon and offshoot propagation. You only separate one or several of those stolons but not the rosette from which they originate. The stolon, consisting of one or several rosettes with their respective stems, usually develops roots in a short period of time.
9. Echeveria Black Prince
Echeveria Black Prince is a popular succulent plant known for its striking appearance and dark, rich coloration. It belongs to the Crassulaceae family and is native to Mexico. When exposed to insufficient sunlight, Black Prince will appear green. With increased sunlight, it gradually transitions to red and eventually turns black. It blooms during the summer season. Click here to learn how to care for Echeveria Black Prince succulent.
Image Credit: echeveriasinoz.net
The reason why it's easy to propagate
a. High Rooting Capacity: Echeveria Black Prince exhibits a relatively high rooting capacity, meaning it has a propensity to readily form roots. Factors such as auxins (plant hormones) and the presence of callus tissue at the cut end of the leaf play a role in stimulating root development and increasing the success rate of propagation.
b. The versatility of propagation methods: Echeveria Black Prince can be propagated through various methods, including division, beheading, and leaf cuttings. This versatility allows gardeners to choose the method that suits their preferences and the available plant material.
How to propagate Echeveria Black Prince
The easiest and most successful way to propagate Echeveria Black Prince is through leaf propagation. Echeveria Black Prince occasionally produces offsets.
10. x Pachyveria 'Clavifolia'
x Pachyveria 'Clavifolia', also called Jeweled Crown, grows well in strong to bright light and tolerates high temperatures. Once mature, this succulent forms neat clusters and is often referred to as the jeweled crown. x Pachyveria 'Clavifolia' is an attractive succulent with rosettes of about 2.4 inches in diameter. Leaves are fleshy, slightly upcurved and flattish. The tip and margins of the leaves have a pinkish tinge that is most prominent in full sun.
The reason why it's easy to propagate
a. Strong water storage ability: Like most Pachyveria plants, x Pachyveria ‘Clavifolia’ has plump leaves with strong water storage capacity, making it drought-tolerant and resilient. This plant can better withstand dry environments compared to other genera in the Crassulaceae family, such as Sedum and Echeveria, making it easy to propagate.
b. Easy to cluster: x Pachyveria ‘Clavifolia’ have a natural tendency to produce numerous offshoots around the main plant, creating a dense cluster or rosette-like arrangement. This characteristic makes them easy to propagate and cultivate into attractive groupings or arrangements.
How to propagate x Pachyveria 'Clavifolia'
Leaf propagation is the most common method of propagation for many succulent plants, and x Pachyveria ‘Clavifolia’ is often propagated in this manner as well. Although it may require more intricate steps, leaf propagation allows for the rapid growth and development of delicate potted plants in a relatively short period of time.
In conclusion
Many succulents have the characteristic of being easy to propagate, but the reasons for their ease of propagation and the methods by which they are more likely to survive vary. We need to take extra care in nurturing these succulent babies and familiarize ourselves with their growth habits in order to better assist them in propagation.
