We’ll discuss the five most common ways to propagate a succulent plant and answer the question, “how long does it take to propagate succulents?.” We will organize the processes from the quickest to the slowest.

The Short Answer: How Long Does It Take To Propagate Succulents?

Propagating succulents typically takes 3-6 weeks for roots to form and new growth to emerge. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure impact the process. To propagate successfully, place a healthy leaf or cutting in well-draining soil, maintain a warm environment, and provide adequate indirect sunlight.

First, Some Background on Succulents

Succulents or succulent plants are unique in that they may belong to different families of plants. The term referred to their characteristic of retaining or gorging with water (PDF to learn more). This is believed to be related to a reaction to a climate that is commonly low in water content.

Succulents store this excess water in the plant’s stem or leaves. The stored water tends to make succulents appear fat and juicy. As a result, people tend to be attracted to these plants because they require far less care and watering.

In addition, succulents are ornamental plants because they appeal to the eye and make for excellent home decor.

Top 5 Ways to Propagate & How Long Each Takes

1.) Water

When it comes to the method that produces the fastest propagation of succulents, it has to be water.

The key to propagating succulents is to get the roots to start sprouting as quickly as possible. This helps the plant to get the water and nutrients into its cells as soon as possible.

Using water to propagate should start producing the desired roots as fast as 2-weeks.

2.) Leaves

Propagating from leaves is another relatively fast way to propagate your succulents. Once they form roots, it is generally the time that you want to repot them.

However, when it comes to succulents, you want to be sure that you wait the right amount of time to repot into larger containers.

The propagation process generally takes up to 3-weeks for the first sign of roots. After that, however, you’ll want to wait a while longer before repotting them.

3.) Cuttings

Propagating from cuttings is the most popular method used by growers of succulents. Using the cuttings of other succulents can grow successfully.

Although, it does take a bit longer for the new roots to form, normally 4-weeks.

The entire propagation process from root to new leaves can take up to 8 weeks. So you’ll want to plan accordingly if you choose this method.

4.) Offsets

The offset method of propagating succulents takes quite a long time. However, it involves a process that the mother plant initiates.

An offset is a small offshoot of the mother plant that has been created when the mother plant overgrows its primary root system.

The best way to ensure that all of your succulent plants are successful is to keep a close eye out for offsets and remove them as quickly as possible.

Putt these offsets in a new container, and its new root system will develop quickly, from 4 to 10 weeks.

5.) Seeds

When propagating succulents, the seed method is the slowest and most painstakingly difficult method.

Getting the seeds to germinate and produce healthy roots can take more than six weeks.

You will have to wait up to 6-months before the entire propagation process is complete. So, if you have time on your hands, you can use this method, but it will take some time.

Can You Speed up the Propagation Time of Succulents?

If you have ever tried to grow any plant on your own, you probably have realized that many different factors can affect the amount of time it takes to grow plants.

So, here are some ways to try to speed up the time it takes to propagate succulents.

7-Ways to Speed up the Succulent Propagation

1.) Remove All Flower Buds Before Planting

When you are trying to grow from cuttings from existing plants, you want to be sure that you first remove any visible flowering buds.

This is because the flowering process in plants takes a lot of internal energy, which can take away the energy needed for rooting.

2.) Cover Cuttings With Cinnamon Before Planting

Since plants are living organisms, they get wounds when cut. To help these heal and promote new and regrowth, try covering the ends of the cuttings with cinnamon powder—the natural compounds in the cinnamon powder help promote callusing and protect the cuttings.

3.) Use Organic Material in Planting Soil

When choosing a potting soil for your propagating process, you should always look for one that is very high in organic material. This organic material content help to encourage faster rooting of your cuttings that you are using for propagation.

4.) Rooting Hormone Can Be Used

Rooting hormones are substances applied to plant cuttings (leaves and stems) designed to encourage quicker growth in plants. For example, these can be very beneficial to growing succulents from cuttings to promote faster root development.

5.) Expose Them to Plenty of Light

Since succulents can be propagated either inside or outside, you want to be sure that you expose them to large amounts of sunlight/growing lights. The longer the plants are exposed to the light, the quicker they can take root and grow.

6.) Avoid Over-Watering

While plants need water to grow, you can overwater them. However, too much moisture in the soil you use to propagate your succulents can cause the roots to rot. Be sure that the soil is dry before you add more water.

7.) Add Extra Heat

Propagating succulents react very well to additional heat. So, if you are propagating inside, use a heating pad wrapped around the pots or containers you are using. The extra heat from the heating pad will help the cuttings root much quicker.

Thanks for reading our article on “how long does it take to propagate succulents?.” If you love succulents, be sure to check out our Mother of Thousands plant care article.

How Long Does It Take To Propagate Succulents? (Top 5 Methods & Times)