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How to propagate succulents from cuttings and leaves.

If you’re anything like me, you probably love to have succulents in the house. I try to keep them in bright windows that get plenty of light, but sometimes they can still get leggy. This happens when a plant isn’t getting enough light and it starts to stretch out causing the stem to grow long and the leaves to become widely spaced.

If you have a plant that is starting to become leggy like this one, have no fear! This is the perfect time to propagate!

Although this plant still looks gorgeous from the top, the lower leaves will begin to wither and fall off and soon we’ll be left with a rosette high above the soil on a long bare stem. So before the leaves start to die, let’s pull them off and propagate them to make more plants. Succulent propagation is easy, fun, and free!

We’ll start by removing the lower leaves first. Be really careful when you remove the leaves from the stem. I hold the leaf firmly and wiggle it from side to side until I feel a little snap. You want to be sure you get the entire leaf. If you rip the leaf, leaving the base still attached to the stem, it will not be able to grow roots or a new plant.

This is what the leaves will look like if they are properly pulled from the stem remaining fully intact.

After you have successfully removed the lower leaves you will be left with a small rosette on a long bare stem. I like to call the next step decapitation propagation. Not sure if that’s the technical term, but it rhymes and we’re going to cut its head off so…

I use a pair of craft scissors, but a sharp knife would work great as well.

We now have a bunch of leaves, a stump and a cute little plant with a short stem.

Now we wait. Before we can place our leaves on soil to begin growing new plants we must let the ends dry out and callous over. This step is vital! If you don’t let the ends dry out and place them directly on soil they will absorb too much moisture and they will rot and die. In addition to letting the leaves callous over, we must also let the end of the stem on the rosette dry out as well. This could take anywhere from a few days to a week or so.

Once you feel like the ends are dry enough, you can place them on top of some well-draining cactus or succulent soil. (Some people dip the ends in a rooting hormone, but I’ve never tried this and have had great success without it.) I’ve had the best results when keeping my leaves indoors in a window with lots of indirect sunlight.

After a few weeks you will see little pink roots sprouting from the ends of the leaves and then teeny tiny baby plants will begin to grow. I water the leaves very rarely until I start to see roots or babies appearing.

At this point I will give the roots or baby plants a good soak about once a week or whenever I notice the soil is totally dry. Just like with a fully developed succulent, too much water is not good. If you want to be certain not to over water, I recommend spraying the ends of your leaves with a spray bottle once a day instead of completely soaking the soil.

I let my baby plants grow in rows like this until I start to notice the “mother leaf” starting to wither. At that point I will carefully remove the leaf in the same fashion I removed it from the original stem, and then place the baby plant in its own pot. This can be tricky as you don’t want to accidentally remove the roots with the leaf, so you may want to play it safe and let the leaf fall off on its own.

Keep in mind, not every leaf will grow a new plant. I’ve found that some leaves just wither away, some will take root while never growing a new plant, and some might even grow a plant, but never root. Although there will typically be a small amount of losses, most leaves will grow roots followed by a new plant. The three leaves below were all started on the same day and all three had different outcomes.

I ran out of individual little pots with this batch so I just removed the leaves as they withered and left the plants to grow together like a little succulent forest.

Okay, back to that stump. Don’t worry no part of this plant is going to go to waste!

Simply put this pot aside and eventually it will begin to sprout new plants from each place we removed a leaf!

Now back to our original plant, the reason we did all this! Once the stem has dried out and calloused over, simply place your plant back in a pot with well-draining cactus or succulent soil and it will grow roots again and continue to flourish! Isn’t succulent propagation amazing?

All of my information comes from personal experience. I’m sure all succulents propagate differently and plants in different climates and environments require different care. This is what has worked for me and I hope it works for you! Please let me know if you have any questions. You can find me on Instagram under @tawwni or @needlesandleaves or leave a comment below!

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Comments (1431)

Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked Preview Post Comment… Priyanka Shukla 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 3 Likes

I am so thankful for this informative article. I bought my succulent a few days ago,accidentally it's leaves broke out and tears rolling in my eyes .Fortunately I read this article, thankyou so much ,brought my smile back

Preview Post Reply Grace 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Thank you for this very detailed instructions on how to propagate succulents. I will surely try this!

Preview Post Reply Amanda Mena 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 1 Like

Thank you so much for your information i tried to do this and i went straight to soil and they just shriveled up like raisins lol but i am definitely going to try this today at oce ~!!!!!!! Is there any way you can let me know if using miracle grow for my plants i have succulents and other regular leafs!

Preview Post Reply Vickie Baird 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Very informative. One of the best articles I’ve read in a while.Thanks!

Preview Post Reply Virginia Tomas 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Great, detailed explanation. I found it really useful. Thanks a lot!!

Preview Post Reply Dmtechnolab 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 1 Like

It was wonderful article, for me it is so going to help me with my Gardening.Visit my blogs on Hydrangea tree - https://hydrangeatreecare.com/

Preview Post Reply Filiz 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Hi there, thank you for the very informative website with great photos.Question: Once you place your leaves on the soil and wait for the roots to appear, do you spray them with water at all? I understand that it may take a while for the roots to appear, so I don't want to kill the leaves by not watering or over-watering them.Also, when you place the leaves on the soil, do the ends touch the soil at all?Thanks

Preview Post Reply Merry Anne Hess 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

I have been letting the leaves i have accidentally broken off many times in the past few months, to no avail.I have tried leaving them in the window for weeks, nothing.So, then i tried just laying them on top of cacti soil, like an other recommended.Nothing, so then i misted them..NOTHING.I have another batch in the window on a paper towel. I'm going to keep trying as i don't want the leaves i break off to go to waste.

Preview Post Reply Katherine Rhydderch 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

hi thank you for making me feel possibly i can do this. i am trying to do something positive during lockdown, to help me cope. i have just been told i have to stay in till august and have already been home since march.if i fail i won't feel bad. i will get something from you and try again. stay safe best wishes katherine

Preview Post Reply Veronica Kelley 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 1 Like

Jen i have a plant that has sprouted a large stem with other leaves and a flower on it. What do i do. The plant is beautiful and I've noticed more growing and coming out

Preview Post Reply Sarah 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

This is by far the most helpful article about propagation that I've read! Thank you!

Preview Post Reply Shelly 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Hi, Approximately how long did the whole process take from rooting to getting a succulent that’s about an inch or little larger? I’m thinking about doing wedding favors and have a yard of large succulents to take leaves from to start. Thanks!

Preview Post Reply Acacia 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

This was the easiest and clearest explanation I’ve ever read about propagation! Thank you so much for writing this!

Preview Post Reply Cathy 5 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Thank you for the steps and explanation of propagating succulents you have my my life so much easier now. I have been reading hundreds of pins and yours is the best. Thank you thank you thank you.

Preview Post Reply AmyK 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Just wanted to say I followed your instructions last year and it worked perfectly! My old leggy plant rerooted and is happy as can be, the old stump has a few new rosettes coming out of it, and about half of the leaves are now healthy, established new plants! Like you said, half of the leaves didn’t work out — mostly they sprouted roots but never new plants. Now I’m using your process again on another succulent. :)

Preview Post Reply Maria 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Thank you so much. I'm new in succelents and I really love to know the process of this propagation and you helped me a lot! I realised that I did something wrong with my old leaves. Thank youuu ❤️

Preview Post Reply Kristin Mary Klomberg 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

My leaf grows a new baby succulent and roots but when the original leaf withers away the new succulent dies also. Please help

Preview Post Reply Marce 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Qué bonito artículo :)Thanks for taking the time to teach others what you know :)

Preview Post Reply Jen 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Oh thank you so much! I have always wondered what to do with these leggy succulents and I never bothered to investigate before now. I am starting to love my house plants now that I live in a condo, and not a house with a yard.

Preview Post Reply Leila 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

And what do you do with those that grow only those thin roots but no baby plant? My leaves only have the thin roots :( Shall I plant it..? Or will it grow something later? Thanks!

Preview Post Reply Leila 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

And what do you do with those that grow only those thin roots but no baby plant? My leaves only have the thin roots :( Shall I plant it..? Or will it grow something later? Thanks!

Preview Post Reply Nataly 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Hi, my succulent sedum firestorm list all its leaves but the very top 3, with a very long bare stem. Is it a young succulent. If I cut the stem, will the leaves still grow where they once were even if the plant is young? Or does it have to be old

Preview Post Reply 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

loved the article, question, I was given a lifesaver cactus it bloomed on bloom and it started dying on me, getting a white film on it I started taking the good pieces and replanting them still no blooms, but it is dying off slowly like its getting too much water, which is not??

Preview Post Reply Katherine Sharfe 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Take a q-tip with some rubbing alcohol and wipe away the white stuff. It should get rid of your problem.

Preview Post Reply Dale 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Thank you for your info and the time it took you to put it together. It’s EXACTLY what I was looking for. Dale

Preview Post Reply Jescinth Williams 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Thank you for this valuable information, I have this plant and just didn’t know how to propagate, I will try your instruments and see how well it works for me.

Preview Post Reply Sheena 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

After decapitation, stump of my succulent is roting from top. What should I do to save it. Please help

Preview Post Reply Patti 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Great information for successful plantings. Thank you very much

Preview Post Reply PlantK101 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Hi, thanks for helping us plant killers! Question: where can I let the fallen leaves dry out? Do they need to be under the sun? In the house? I don't have direct light in my apartment, therefore my succulents do better outside. Thanks for the advice!

Preview Post Reply Selena 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 1 Like

This is one of the best articles that I have read on succulent propagation broken down into easy steps. Would you say there is a ‘propogation season? I just read another article on line saying spring is the prime time.Thank you!

Preview Post Reply Laurie 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 1 Like

I like the way you showed this. I have never tried it. I actually just take the leaf off and put halfway in soil. It always grows. I have them outside in pots and sometimes they fall off on their own into the ground soil and start growing.

Preview Post Reply Helena Dudgeon 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

I have read this excellent description on making more succulents. I did read something a while ago and did not let the leaves dry. I will try again as I love these plants.

Preview Post Reply Nicole 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Oh my gosh! I just received 3 little succulent leaves is a little pot for my birthday and I didn't really know what to do with them until I read this article. I'm really looking forward to grow my very own succulent! I love this blog!

Preview Post Reply Victoria 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

I have been propagating my succulents for a few years now, but I learned some new stuff from your article! One question... sometimes after I plant the leaves the new plants are only miniature.... like the leaves are so small and they never grow to the original size, but the new plant grows tall. Has this ever happened to you?

Preview Post Reply Janice Resendez 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Hi there! Thank you for this article, it's very clear and through, especially for someone who hasn't ever grown anything. I am drawn to succulents but have yet to try. We live in Colorado. Each if our windows has a shade covering (awening) so very little sunlight. We have 7 children that we home educate. I want plants but I need them to be not needy. Given the info I've shared do you think succulates would survive here? Dry air, super shady. Thank you!

Preview Post Reply Ann 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Your direction on propagation is awesome. Thank you!

Preview Post Reply Kalpana 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Thank you for the wonderful information, I will certainly try this way out, now I know what I was doing wrong. An eye opener indeed.

Preview Post Reply Susan redmond 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Great info!!!A little stumped 🤔 You said to leave the "stump" in the pot (continue to water or no?Then the stem (is that the part with the cute little flowerette on top?) is supposed to be set aside like the leaves? And the stub too, cuz you said once it has calloused over to place it back in a pot...

Preview Post Reply Patricia Z 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 1 Like

Excellent Description! I work for a succulent grower, and with only very minor variations (and infrequent outliers) virtually all succulents are propagated the same way, although some succulents prefer one method over another. Never heard the term "decapitation propagation" but I like it and will pass it on :)

Preview Post Reply emily 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 1 Like

Thank you so much!

Preview Post Reply Priya Ganesh 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 1 Like

Wow... That was lovely piece of information and written so well... For anyone to understand... Thanks... I am trying to propogate my succulents too. Have placed the leaves on cocopeat... Just waiting...

Preview Post Reply Joanne 6 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 1 Like

I tried a few different kinds and they ALL worked! All I needed was patience :) now to find some good succulent soil and some cute pots!

Preview Post Reply Julia pacyna 7 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Are succulents in door or out door plants, I know you can put in both places but I’m thinking of the frost outside in winter.

Preview Post Reply Karla 7 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

After I removed the leaves and placed them flat.to dry out they all just started to wither and haven't seemed to dry out and it's been six days. Any tips on why that happened. I placed on cardboard and in a sunny spot.

Preview Post Reply Eleanor palmer 7 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

I totally agree with your info !!I became hooked on succulents 25 years ago. I adore them & they produce bubs so easily. I now have 100’s planting up on a massive cactii hillside. Always something in flower. People stop to admire from roadside.Losing my Hubby meant I needed a purpose I live on 10 acres & my ‘babies’ gave me a purpose!!!!

Preview Post Reply Zahaia 7 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

This was all so helpful, thank you! I've been looking for easy instructions for a while now but i've been a little confused and hesitant until I found your article! Can't wait to start!

Preview Post Reply Sandra Ogden 7 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Did learn a thing or two ! Thank youI will keep your address .I have liked the plants since my mom grew them one summer . In a strawberry pot ( I think )

Preview Post Reply Teddy 7 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Thank you so much for the time and care you put into this article. I have a succulent that was a birthday gift last year. I since had to transfer it to a larger pot, but now it’s outgrowing that pot. I noticed that it is throwing off little pink roots. When I transfer it to a bigger pot should I cover the new roots with soil?I like how you showed what to do with propagating the leaves. I am going to try that. I love my little plant. I hope I can grow more. Again, thank you for all the info you shared.

Preview Post Reply Michala 7 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

Thank you so much for this guide :D I found it very helpfull! Now I can begin growing little succulent babies on my own <3

Preview Post Reply Alex 7 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 2 Likes

Great article. You made me see how fun and positive succulent propogation can be. Didn't realise you could save every bit of the plant too.

Preview Post Reply Sandra Hollander 7 years ago Pending Awaiting Moderation · 0 Likes

I have a rubber plant 12 inch stemmed 6 leaves on the top.How do l propagate this plantThank you, Sandy

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