3 easy ways to grow succulents for free

Succulents are easy to propagate. The one drawback is you will need to be patient as they can take a little time to form roots.

1Cut the stem

With many, like aeonium, you cut a stem off and pot it up in freedraining mix.

Generally, it’s best to cut succulent stems just below a stem joint or leaf bud. Leave for a couple of days for the cut end to seal over to reduce the risk of fungal disease. Pot up in a container filled with a succulent mix, or a potting mix that has sand or grit added to it.

2 Pull off an offset

Some form small offsets, or ‘baby’ plants that can be pulled off and planted.

Some hybrids do not develop offsets, but there’s a simple trick to creating a new plant from one, especially if the stem has grown tall and somewhat ungainly: • sever the head with a sharp knife, leaving about 5cm of stem attached; • set it aside for a couple of days before potting it up; • don’t discard the original stem as it should form small rosettes from its nodes, which can be removed and planted as well.

3 Leaf propagation

Leaves from echeverias, crassulas, kalanchoes and sansevierias can be propagated.

Pick a few leaves and let them dry for a couple of days, to allow the tissues to seal over. Put these in a pot, standing them up against the sides, with the stem end touching the potting mix. Some people like to bury the ends, but with the standing-up method, there is less chance of rotting. Place your cuttings in a spot that receives bright, but not direct sunlight. Water sparingly. After a while, roots will form, then small leaves.