Succulent Leaf Propagation
Nov 10, 2017
Written by Jessica DeGennaro

Succulent Leaf Propagation

Succulent propagation is a fun and easy project for anyone interested in creating new additions to your plant family without spending a single penny. This process can be one of the most fun and exciting steps when working with succulent plants not to mention purely fascinating . Whether treating plants in rough shape or simply interested in spawning fresh plants with what you already have, leaf cuttings are super easy to work with and if done right will turn out beautiful time and time again.

Once you pick the plant you would like to propagate gently remove a leaf using a twist like motion. Make sure to pull off the entire leaf including the little nub where it is attached to the stem. A perfect leaf will have a U like shape on the end after pulling it off. If your leaf cutting is not perfect do not worry, we have grown plenty of new plants from less than perfect cuttings however the best leaves will typically give the best results.

Take the removed leaf cuttings and set them on a paper towel to dry out. You want the ends of the leaf cuttings to dry out and scab over before planting them. If the end of the leaf is not dried out they will absorb too much water and will rot. If they look a little wilted or distressed do not worry this is normal.

After the leaves are dried out set them into a shallow bed of soil. You can either set the leafs into the surface of the soil or lay them horizontally onto the soil's surface. We recommend using potting soil specifically formulated for succulents or cactus when propagating.

Place them in bright indirect sunlight and mist the leaves a few times a week. Within a few weeks the roots should begin to grow followed by little baby plants.

Carefully remove the leaf from the new plant once it is at least a half inch in length. Take the new plant out of the soil without disturbing the roots too much and place it in its own pot. Congratulations on your new succulent!

Watering Succulents 101
Nov 01, 2017
Written by Jessica DeGennaro

Watering Succulents 101

The most important part of succulent care is...Only water the plants when the soil is completely dry! If the soil has any moisture, do not water them at all. If it takes 2 weeks for the soil to dry out then water in 2 weeks, if it takes 2 days then water in 2 days. This is 90% of proper succulent care. When you water your plants be sure they are being watered in the evening or late afternoon after the sun has mostly gone down. Succulents best absorb water and nutrients from the soil during their rest period (which is in the evening). Also, water acts as a magnifier and will certainly help burn your plants if they are watered in the morning or during the day. Succulents need excellent drainage. If a succulent is being potted in a container with no drainage it is important to know they should be watered sparingly. Anything more will kill the plant! With that said we do need to address under-watering. Succulents prefer generous water during their growing season (Spring and Summer). An under-watered succulent will show signs of stress with drooping or withered looking leaves. The leaves can also start to develop brown spots. A good watering will plump the leaves right up. There are few extra tips on watering that should be remembered. Succulents do not like to be misted. Misting Succulents or Cacti will cause rot and fungal diseases. Succulents are not house plants or flowers. Just because you think you are being nice by watering your succulents consistently, you aren't. It is likely you will kill the plant. Misting succulents and cacti does them no good. They need to be watered thoroughly when the soil is dry so that the water reaches the entire root system, then they need to dry out. Misting these plants does not get water to their roots and causes humidity. Humidity is disastrous for succulents or cacti. Succulents and cacti are supposed to be the plants that give you a break!

Maintaining Colorful Succulents
Oct 01, 2017
Written by Jessica DeGennaro

Maintaining Colorful Succulents

Hey there succulent lovers! Today I've decided to address a common topic I find a lot of people concerned with. Frequent question's asked by friends and customers usually go something like "Why are my succulents not very colorful?" and "Do they need more water and sunlight?" or "WHAT AM I DOING WRONG?". I would like to share a few key tips everyone should know when trying to improve the color of your succulent plants.

All succulents need water and sunlight, but the amount of sunlight and water used in caring for your plants plays a huge role in the overall color of your plants. I have decided to give an example of the extreme differences in color by referencing two pictures below.

The "Pink Ana"(pictured left ) is much more pink and colorful then the "Pink Ana"(picture right). I would like to point out that both plants are perfectly healthy and both were greenhouse grown. The difference between the exceptionally colorful "Pink Ana" is that it received the perfect amount of natural sunlight after being shipped to the customer . As you can see in the photo it is receiving direct but definitely not harsh natural sunlight. This is Key! The less colorful Pink Anna spent most of it's time under UV lights indoors receiving little to no natural sunlight.

Succulents love the sun and can thrive in it most of the day but we need to make sure to keep them out of any harsh conditions like the hot afternoon sun or highly concentrated UV light. Think of places in or outdoor that offer dapple lighting or screened filtered lighting. Think of places that feel the nice morning sun. The kind of place in your home you could comfortably read a book and relax under the warm sun for a length of time without feeling uncomfortable. For indoors, nice big bay windows are a perfect location. The point is to let them get as much sun as possible without burning the plant.

Properly watering the succulents is just as important as keeping them in proper sunlight. Do not spray or mist the succulents. Succulents do not deal well with any sort of humidity. Humid conditions can cause rot and or disease. When watering succulents, give them a through watering, allowing the entire root system to get wet. Water only as often as it takes for the soil to dry out completely between waterings. A good rule of thumb is to check the soil with your finger to be sure it is completely dry before watering again. This will significantly vary depending on location and time of year. If it takes three days or three weeks for the soil to completely dry it is ok either way as long as you do not over water. Be sure to water the plants in the evening, when they are in their rest period (the plants best absorb water and nutrients during this time). Watering succulents during the day in direct sunlight can also act as a magnifying glass which can burn the plants.

For more in depth watering instructions please visit the Shop Succulents blog titled "Best practices for Watering Your Succulents" for more information. Hope this was helpful. Happy planting!

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