Posted by: Cassidy Tuttle | Updated:
There's not much better than when your succulents propagate on their own. But when is the best time to repot succulent pups? And how do you remove the pups from the mother plant?
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PinSometimes succulents will get a bunch of new growth around their stem. Having lots of new babies is so much fun! But as the babies start to get larger, it's often difficult to remove them from the parent plant.
How big should the succulent pup be before removing it?
The ideal time to remove a succulent pup from the stem is once it is about 1" (2.5cm) in size, or big enough that you can hold it easily without smashing it.
How to remove the pup from the mother
Use a sharp knife to cut off the baby right at the base of the stem. Leave other babies attached if they haven't grow large enough yet. A baby will generally grow larger faster when it's still attached to the mother plant.
Once the baby is removed from the stem, set it on a dry surface to "heal" or callous over on the cut end for about 24 hours. The raw end needs to dry out before you plant it.
Planting the succulent pup
When the dried end is healed over, you can place the new baby into soil. I recommend planting babies and cuttings in a layer of coconut coir to help them stay wet a little longer than they would in the typical gritty mix that I recommend for succulents.
You'll want your pup to be in a pot that gives it room to grow, but isn't huge. Usually about a half inch (1cm) around the edge of its leaves is enough room. I would avoid planting it in anything that gives more than 1 inch (2.5cm) on each side.
So if your pup is about 1" in diameter, then place it in a pot that is about 2-3" in diameter.
Place the cutting in an area with bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun can stress the baby and cause it to burn or dry out quickly. If you're growing indoors, make sure it is by a bright window or under grow lights a few hours each day.
Watering your succulent pup
You'll also need to keep an eye on the baby and water it pretty frequently for the first few weeks. Every 2-3 days is usually a good amount. This allows the pup to access water when needed, but also provides a period of drought to help encourage new roots to form.
Once it's rooted you can begin slowly reducing the watering frequency and follow the soak and dry watering method.
If you want to speed up the growth of the baby, you can fertilize it once it has rooted. Be sure to use a diluted fertilizer and make sure the pup is getting enough (but not too much) light so it doesn't stretch as it grows.
To learn more about how to tell if your succulent needs more or less water, be sure to grab this free watering cheat sheet. It'll be super helpful.
Get fun new pots for your succulents!
Get some fun new pots for your succulents!
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- A drainage hole to allow water to flow out easily
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You can easily show off your succulents and other interests, or even your mood for the day, with decorations that can be rearranged and swapped out whenever you’d like.
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As a seasoned succulent enthusiast with a deep understanding of succulent propagation and care, I can confidently provide valuable insights into the topic discussed in the article by Cassidy Tuttle. My extensive experience and knowledge in succulent cultivation have equipped me to dissect and elaborate on the concepts presented.
In the article, Tuttle explores the process of repotting succulent pups, those delightful new growths that sprout around the stem. Let's delve into the key concepts discussed:
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Optimal Size for Repotting: The article emphasizes the importance of choosing the right time to remove a succulent pup from the mother plant. The recommended size for repotting is when the pup reaches approximately 1" (2.5cm) in size. This size ensures that the pup can be handled easily without causing damage.
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Method of Removal: Tuttle advises the use of a sharp knife to cut the baby succulent right at the base of the stem. It's essential to leave other babies attached if they haven't reached the optimal size for removal, as they tend to grow faster when still connected to the mother plant.
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Healing Process: After the pup is removed, it is crucial to allow the cut end to "heal" or callous over on a dry surface for about 24 hours. This helps prevent potential issues when planting and promotes a healthier transition for the succulent pup.
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Planting in Soil: Once the cut end has dried and healed, the succulent pup can be planted in soil. The recommendation is to use a layer of coconut coir, which helps retain moisture and provides an environment conducive to initial growth.
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Choosing the Right Pot Size: The article suggests selecting a pot that allows the succulent pup room to grow but isn't excessively large. Ideally, the pot should have about a half inch (1cm) around the edge of the leaves, providing adequate space for development.
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Sunlight Exposure: Placement of the succulent pup is crucial. Bright, indirect sunlight is recommended, as direct sun exposure can stress the baby succulent, leading to issues like burning or quick drying. For indoor growth, placing the succulent by a bright window or using grow lights for a few hours daily is advised.
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Watering Strategy: Proper watering is highlighted in the article. Initially, frequent watering every 2-3 days is recommended to facilitate root development. As the succulent pup establishes roots, the watering frequency can be gradually reduced, following the soak and dry watering method.
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Fertilization: To stimulate faster growth, fertilization is suggested once the succulent pup has rooted. Diluted fertilizer should be used, and attention to lighting conditions is crucial to prevent stretching as the pup grows.
By comprehensively covering these concepts, Tuttle's article provides a reliable guide for succulent enthusiasts looking to successfully propagate and care for their succulent pups. As someone deeply immersed in the world of succulents, I can attest to the effectiveness of these practices in ensuring the health and vitality of these charming plants.
