Can all succulent varieties propagate from leaves?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Succulent varieties with fleshy leaves, such as Echeveria and Sedum, are the only plants whose leaves can be used for propagation. These plants have particular meristematic cells that can produce whole plants from the leaves when these are detached. Plants with thin or woody leaves, such as Aeoniums, must be propagated by means of cuttings. I always check the thickness of the leaves before starting to propagate.
Leaf-Compatible Varieties
- Echeveria: High success (85-90%) with plump rosette leaves
- Sedum: Moderate success (75-80%) especially stonecrop types
- Graptopetalum: Requires intact meristem (70% success)
Stem-Propagation Required
- Aeonium: Woody stems need 3-inch cuttings with nodes
- Senecio: Thin leaves lack regenerative tissue at bases
- Crassula: Some varieties propagate only from branch tips
Identification Features
- Leaf thickness: Minimum 0.25-inch flesh required for success
- Meristem shape: Look for distinct crescent base pattern
- Water storage: Gel-filled leaves indicate propagation potential
*Recognize propagation-ready plants* by their leaf characteristics. A good specimen will have fleshy, waterp-roteeling leaves of at least one-fourth inch thick. The base of the foliage should show a markedly crescentic form, suggesting that an area of meristem strength accompanies it. Avoid varieties with thin, papery leaves or nearly wooden stems.
Success rate is maximized by picking leaves from the middle portion of the thrifty plants. I do not select leaves from the lower part of the plant, for they are often lacking in nourishment, or leaves from the top of the plant, which are too immature. If properly twisted, the meristem will be retained intact. All leaves that show damage to the critical area must be discarded.
Adapt techniques to hybrid varieties. Some hybrids like Graptosedums can be propagated readily from leaves, while others require stem propagation. I test new varieties with three leaves before large propagation. Results vary immediately according to the dominant genetic traits of the parent plants.
Rescue misidentified varieties then by a switch to stem cuttings if there are failures with the leaves after four weeks. Take stem cuttings that are two to three inches long from the healthy growth tips. I dip these in a rooting hormone before planting. This makes it possible to save the propagation operation where the leaf method proves unworkable.
Read the full article: 7 Steps for Succulent Leaf Propagation Success
