How to propagate succulents

Because of their succulent nature, these plants remain turgid far longer than conventional plants, which makes them quite easy to propagate (the nursery propagates 80 per cent of the plants it sells). Louise Twigger of Surreal Succulents shows how it’s done.

Discover more about Surreal Succulents.

• Aeoniums and allied genera can be increased by stem cuttings, and cuttings can be done any time of year provided they are kept warm; a windowsill or warm greenhouse in semi-shade would suffice.

• Cut into the stem, just below or up to 15cm below the rosette. Clean away any old brown leaves under the skirt of the rosette and leave overnight to allow the wound to dry and callus slightly.

• Make up a free-draining mix (20 per cent sand, 40 per cent grit or perlite and 40 per cent coir or similar), put this into a terracotta pot and firm. Using a terracotta pot acts as a counterweight to the top-heavy succulents.

• Insert the stem into the compost, just deep enough to hold the succulent upright – roots generally form on the surface and inserting too deeply can be detrimental. Cover with perlite or grit.

• Place in a semi-shady position. Water only when the compost has completely dried out. When the eye of the rosette turns green, normally around six weeks, the cutting has rooted.

Here's more on how to propagate ferns. And the best propagating tools you need.