Marianne's Response

Can I start a rosette succulent from cuttings?

I have a rosette succulent that is quite droopy. Can I start a new one by cutting the upper portion that still looks great? If so, what is the best way to get it to root?

Posted by on September 25, 2014

Marianne's Response

Thanks for the photo. It shows a lovely Echeveria that needs a fresh start. Cut the stem off at one inch above soil level. The stump you leave behind may sprout and root if you move it indoors to a bright spot. The top part of the plant will root easily if you remove the bottom droopy leaves and leave the entire cutting, the top and the stem laying on top of a dry towel for 24 hours. This works only on succulents as it forces the nodes that once had leaves to crust over and form a callus. Next poke the stem into a quick draining cacti soil mix (or add sand and perlite half and half to a regular potting soil) and set the new cutting in a bright window indoors. Keep the soil barely moist. Roots will form quickly without any rooting powder. I only wish all plants were as easy to start from cuttings as succulents. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti