Self-Propagating Succulents

Species

• While most succulents produce a few offshoots during their life cycle, certain species self-propagate with greater abundance. Plants of the genus Sempervivum, which are commonly called hen-and-chicks, are the most prolific self-propagating succulents and typically start producing offshoots around their base during their first year of life. However, succulents within the genera Gasteria, Aloe, Mammilaria and Haworthia also produce viable offshoots, which can be grown into individual plants using division propagation.

Process

• Separating offshoots for propagation takes very little effort and few tools, but it is most likely to be successful if performed in late spring or early summer. First, you must water the parent plant to hydrate the roots and lessen the shock of removing the offshoots. After the water soaks in for one to two hours, insert the blade of a gardening knife 4 inches deep into the soil between the offshoot and parent plant. Cut through the soil around the base of the offshoot. Lift the offshoot and pot it in a small plastic container filled with succulent potting mix. Fill in the hole left by the offshoot to protect the roots of the parent plant.

Care

• Succulent offshoots require very little care to establish a root system and grow. Simply place the potted succulent offshoot in a sunny location with some dappled shade during the hottest part of the day. Maintain temperatures around 70 F during the day. Pour water around the base of the succulent one week after potting it. Add water until the soil feels moderately moist in the top 2 inches. It is very important to wait until the soil dries out before watering the succulent again since soggy soil will cause damage to the plant. New roots will develop one to two weeks after potting succulent offshoots, but most Haworthia species take slightly longer to establish a strong root system.

After Care

• Even after the succulent offshoots have rooted, you must continue to care for them for a week or two before planting them in a permanent pot or bed. The most important step before moving the succulent offshoots to a permanent position is slowly acclimating them to direct sunlight so they don't scorch once planted. Over the course of two weeks, increase the duration of time they are exposed to direct sunlight each day. Increase the amount of time in 30 minute increments until they can withstand direct sunlight for at least six hours without blanching, wilting or turning color. Transplant the succulents into their permanent position and water them to a depth of 1 inch every seven to 10 days.