Whether grouped together in a garden bed, or thriving in pots around an urban courtyard, succulents offer a modern, waterwise and eco-friendly way to green up your outdoor space. But this is only the beginning when it comes to how wonderful these plants are. There are so many varieties to choose from, and come in so many different forms, colours and shapes. Even better - they are incredibly easy to propagate, so one plant can turn into many.
However tough they seem, handle these delicate plants with care and avoid touching the silvery film on the leaves which ensures they stay water resistant.
To propagate your own, simply remove a leaf or flower then leave to dry outside for a few days to heal the wound and prevent it from rotting when planted.
Dip into root hormone gel and place in a pot or tray filled with potting mix. To prevent the roots from rotting, use a specialised potting mix, such as Debco Cacti & Succulent Potting Mix, or make your own, with equal parts good-quality potting mix and coarse sand, or gravel mix.
For best results, cover your tray or pot with a plastic bag for a week, using a couple of skewers to ensure the plastic stays off the cutting. This will act as a mini greenhouse, offering protection and humidity while new roots form.
Check out this wonderful way of using succulents: How to make a living table centrepiece.
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Thanks for the great tips, will certainly give this a go!
Thank you for sharing this information - could we have more on succulents during the coming year? I am having a lot of fun propagating them and then sharing little plants with girlfriends and family.