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Tuesday, December 10, 2013

5 Simple Steps for Starting Succulents

Starting Succulent plants is so simple with these 5 easy steps from Lavende & Lemonade


Succulents have always intimidated me.  With their alluring, exotic shapes, I always assumed they'd be expensive and terribly high maintenance.  I am happy to report that I was absolutely wrong - succulents couldn't be easier!


I've started a whole collection of them, all from fallen pieces I've collected at local walking trails and from my kind neighbors.  Just to be clear, I only take the pieces that were already knocked down to the ground by rain or misguided puppies.


Growing succulents from a simple leaf or piece of a stem is so simple and a lot of fun. 


 Here's how I've done it:


1)  Collect broken leaves or pieces of existing succulents. 

Starting Succulent plants is so simple with these 5 easy steps from Lavende & Lemonade

They can be found along walking trails, from your neighbors, or...sometimes if you ask nicely...from the ground of your local garden center.  If you already have a succulent that is getting unruly, this is the perfect way to pay-it-forward.  Share with your neighbors or give as a gift!



2)  Cut the succulents into pieces. 

Each leaf will grow into an entire plant!  Make a clean cut at the base of each leaf with scissors.  I like to take all the leaves off the bottom of the stem, and leave the crown all in one piece.  


3)  Lay the cut pieces out to dry.
Lay the cut leaves and stems out on a paper towel for 1-2 days until the cut end has calloused over.  You can leave them for longer, a week or so...they're not picky.


4)  Prepare the soil.

Prepare a soil surface for your future succulents.  Cactus potting soil is probably the best option, but I've used regular potting soil with great results.  Place some stones at the bottom of your container for drainage, then fill with soil and keep moist.  

You can get creative with the containers - tea cups, picture frames, old drawers, ceramic pots - anything goes!


5)  Place your succulent cuttings atop the soil.

That's right...They plant themselves.  This alone is reason to make succulent plantings!  Just place the succulent cutting on top of the soil and wait.  Keep the soil moist by lightly watering every few days, and be patient.  

After a couple of weeks, you'll start to see tiny root shoots forming off the leaves.  Then, they start sprouting new baby succulents!  They're so cute!!



Starting Succulent plants is so simple with these 5 easy steps from Lavende & LemonadeStarting Succulent plants is so simple with these 5 easy steps from Lavende & Lemonade

You can easily transplant your baby plants to new containers, or keep them in your original planting soil.  As they mature, repeat the process and before long you'll have a beautiful garden full of succulents.



3 comments:

  1. Great info.sounds so easy and fun.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Definitely trying this.
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
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