Propagating Succulents

Succulents are thick, fleshly plants that hold a great deal more water in their tissues than most plants. Succulent varieties are seemingly endless, with a myriad of unique structures and color combinations.They are well adapted for hot, arid climates and are actually quite beautiful, making for very nice ornamental plants if you live in such a climate.

One thing that is very unique about succulents is that they can propagate second generation plants, genetically identical to the parent generation. These identical propagules often form at the ends of leaves from the parent plant.

It is easy to take advantage of these plants' means of reproduction and propagate many succulents from just a single plant.

Succulent propagules will often form at the end of a leaf and then, when they are mature enough and have formed small roots of their own, will fall off to the soil below. You will want to begin by looking for small propagules that have fallen off of the parent plant and begun to take root in the soil at the base of the parent plant.

Once you locate these newly rooted propagules, begin to very gently remove them from the soil. The roots will still be new and delicate, so make sure that you don't pull the base of the succulent away from it's roots.

Now, simply replant the succulent in a new pot, or in a new location in your yard. Succulents, once established, are very low maintenance and can even grow in creative places, like these sea shells. Their versatility and variety are part of what make succulents such appealing ornamental plants.

• While succulents are adapted for arid conditions, you still need to water them. Water them at least once a week. In hot, dry summer months, water your succulents 2-3 times a week. While succulents can survive for a while with little to no water, they can become diseased and unhealty if they don't get enough water.
• Some Succulents are bromeliad-like, and they don't need any soil medium to grow.
• Aloe vera is one of the most well-known varieties of succulents. Aloe vera does not form propagules at the ends of their leaves, but will propagate from it's base to the surrounding soil.
• Succulents are closely related to cacti.