Propagating succulents from leaf cuttings is Simple and convenient, and it's fun to watch a leaf grow into a small plant. However, almost all the method of inserting detached leaves circulating on the Internet are summed up by the experience of gardeners. Therefore, most of them are not perfect in some details, resulting in a low survival rate. As the saying goes, the details determine success or failure, so today I have compiled some detailed tips to improve the survival rate of leaf cuttings.
Things you will need.
Knife, alcohol, configured soil, rooting hormone (optional), spray bottle, container for leaf cuttings
1 Selecting the leaves and removing the leaves
Choose healthy, shiny and strong leaves
Disinfect the blade with alcohol first, then dry the blade with a napkin and cut leaves where they connect to the stem, making a straight cut.
If you don't have a knife, you can also use your index finger and thumb to pinch the leaf and gently shake it up and down to get it to fall off automatically. This is a bit like pulling teeth as a child. And can not directly force to pick the leaf, then the leaf is very easy to break from the middle，so that it cannot be used for leaf cuttings
Lay the leaves evenly on a sheet of clean paper or cloth in a well-ventilated area out of direct light for 1-3 days, so that the wounds on the leaves automatically heal so as to reduce the mortality of the leaves.
It is important to note that watering is strictly forbidden during this period. Otherwise, the leaves may turn yellow or black rot.
2 Plant the cutting
We always say the insertion of detached leaves, as if it means inserting the leaves into the soil, in fact, such an act is wrong for succulents. Just put the leaves flat on the soil, not inserted into the soil. Here you can arrange a pattern you like according to your own preferences. And the leaves will be rooted according to their own preferences, this you do not have to worry about.
It is important to note that the soil used for leaf cuttings should be one that is relatively well drained. It is best to have a pumice or gravel mix for more breathability.
You can also dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to help it root quickly.
3 Watering and care
The new planted leaf cuttings should not be exposed to direct sunlight, nor should it be kept out of the sun completely. You need something to shade to leave a little sunlight. Spray water once every 2-3 days to keep the soil moist. When the succulent grows up, it can be in direct sunlight, and watering can be changed to sprinkler watering once a week. But it is important to note that you must wait until the soil is thoroughly dry before watering again.
Wait, about a month later, you will see the leaves grow day by day and turn into a small succulent plant one by one.
Tips
1, Remember to regularly water or spray water to maintain soil humidity.
2, If the leaves are wrinkled, don't worry excessively, as long as it doesn't melt or black rot, it's not a big problem.
3, In order for them to grow well, those rooted and sprouted leaves must have sufficient sunlight.
4, Keep ventilation and water permeability. If there is no drainage hole, put some stones at the bottom of the pot, otherwise the water will start to breed mildew if it is not drained out in time.
5, not all leaves can be rooted and sprouted, so you need more leaves at the same time.
6, the best time to propagate succulents by leaf cuttings depends on the climate in your care environment. If the weather is very warm, all year round, anytime is possible.
7, do not take leaf plugs as adult plants, because they are much more fragile.