Should succulent cuttings go directly into soil?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.To plant succulent cuttings, it is important to follow some proper procedures. Never put cuttings that you have just cut straight into soil. They need to develop a protective callous first. I found this out after ineffectively planting many cuttings that went rotten. Your success with soil medium cuttings is based on how you properly dry these cuttings.
Callousing Period
- Leave cuttings in dry air for 3-10 days
- Form protective scab at the base
- Humidity determines exact duration
Soil Preparation
- Create well-draining mix with 40% perlite
- Use shallow trays instead of deep pots
- Ensure surface remains loose and airy
Placement Technique
- Lay calloused cuttings horizontally
- Keep base exposed to air
- Avoid any soil contact with wounds
Planting without delay damages the plant beyond recovery. Fresh injuries often absorb moisture, which can cause them to become infected and potentially lead to rot. I learned this the hard way with jade cuttings, as I, like myself, was impatient during the callousing stage, leading to broken cells. You want the plant parts to be arid before planting.
Soil composition matters tremendously. Use gritty mixtures that prevent water retention. I combine potting soil with coarse sand. Your cuttings need breathable environments. Avoid moisture trapping around bases.
Watering starts only after roots appear. Lightly mist the soil every 2-3 days; avoid wetting the cuttings. I use bottles with narrow spouts. Your caution with moisture eliminates fungus problems. Wait for white roots to appear before watering again.
Successful propagation rewards patience. Follow these steps for healthy new plants. I now propagate dozens monthly. Your journey starts with proper callousing. Transform cuttings into thriving succulents.
Read the full article: How to Grow Succulents From Leaves Successfully
