How to Keep a Succulent From Multiplying

The ease with which many succulent species multiply makes them easy to propagate at home, but many gardeners become frustrated with this trait when the plants begin to overtake garden beds. Although it is difficult to entirely stop succulents from multiplying, lessening their relentless spread is simple to do by creating an artificial barrier between the plant and the surrounding soil. Since succulents require well-draining soil to thrive, the artificial barrier must be made of a permeable material that will allow water to flow away from the plant.

Measuring tape
.47-inch steel wire mesh
Wire snips
Garden trowel
Small river stones

Instructions

- 1
  Measure out a 3-inch radius around the base of the succulent using a measuring tape. Mark the radius in the soil. Run the measuring tape around the marking to acquire the circumference measurement. Write down the measurement for future reference.
- 2
  Acquire steel wire mesh, which is available at most home stores. Choose mesh with a weave of .47 inches. Avoid larger mesh such as chicken wire, since it will not effectively keep the succulent from spreading.
- 3
  Cut a length of .47-inch steel wire mesh corresponding to the measurement taken in Step 1 with an 8-inch width. Make the cuts with wire snips. Be careful not to scratch yourself when cutting the steel wire mesh.
- 4
  Insert the blade of a garden trowel to its full length into the soil along the 3-inch radial line marked out on the soil in Step 1. Insert the wire mesh into the opening created with the blade of the garden trowel. Stick it in widthwise so the two edges meet and a 3-inch portion of the wire mesh sticks up above the soil.
- 5
  Push soil into the gap around the wire mesh. Keep adding soil until the gap is filled. Bend the 3-inch portion of the wire mesh in toward the base of the succulent. Snip the cross wires every few inches so the mesh will lie flat on the surface of the ground.
- 6
  Anchor the wire mesh in place with small river stones, which help to further suppress the multiplying tendency of the plant. Cover the wire mesh completely, but try to leave a 1/4-inch-wide gap between the stones and the base of the succulent to allow for evaporation.

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