Propagating Cactus and Succulents

OFFSETS form on old stem (left) of echeveria which was topped and the top re-rooted. When rosettes reach about 2 inches across, twist off, let callus for 4 days in shade, root in sandy mix. If you would rather not use pots for sowing seeds, there are many other kinds of satisfactory containers. Plastic bread boxes are excellent, so are shallow casseroles with lids. Commercial small plastic greenhouses also make fine propagating boxes. Be sure that the container you use will allow water to drain through.

CUTTINGS Take cuttings during the warm months just as plants start growth. Succulents and cactus may be increased easily by taking stem cuttings; these can be from the stem tip or from a section of stem that contains leaf nodes (this, for succulents only). Leaf cuttings can be used too a whole leaf or some-times only a part of a leaf; this is the easiest way to grow a new plant. For successful leaf cuttings, first dry the leaves for a few days and then place them in a light sandy soil for growth. Gasteria, kalanchoe, crassula, and haworthia are some examples of plants that can be easily propagated by leaf cuttings. If you have extra leaves and would like to experiment, put leaves in a jar of water containing a, few charcoal chips; set this on a cool, shaded window sill.