Grow Baby Succulents with KidsGardening
Have you ever wished you could turn one plant into a whole garden of greenery? Succulents make that dream not only possible but incredibly fun! Whether you’re looking for a creative project, a way to multiply your plants without spending much money, or an activity to spark kids’ curiosity, propagating baby succulents is a perfect choice.
Let’s dive into how you can grow baby succulents at home, any time of year. By the end of this process, you’ll have new plants to decorate your space, give as gifts, or even start a mini succulent nursery of your own!
What Makes Succulents Special?
Succulents, like the popular rosette-shaped echeveria or ghost plant (graptopetalum), are propagation superstars. Their leaves are capable of growing new roots and eventually turning into completely new plants when given the right care. This ability to create “plant babies” is one of the reasons they’re so loved by gardeners, teachers, and families alike.
What You’ll Need
Before you get started, gather these materials:
- A healthy succulent plant (your “parent plant”)
- A shallow tray or saucer (1/2″ to 1″ deep)
- Moistened soilless potting mix
- A small amount of water
- Small pots for transplanting your new plants
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to propagate your succulents:
1. Find Your Parent Plant
Take a look at the succulents you already own or visit your local garden center. (Mahoney’s nurseries have a wide variety of succulents if you’re looking to add some to your collection.)
2. Prepare the Tray
Use a shallow tray or saucer filled with about a 1/2″ deep layer of moistened soilless potting mix. Plastic takeout containers work great for this, and drainage holes aren’t required as long as you’re careful about watering.
3. Examine Your Plant
Look closely at your succulent. On older plants, the stem may have elongated, creating space between the leaves. This is the perfect spot to harvest leaves for propagation. On smaller plants, you may need to remove the whole plant from its pot to access the lower leaves.
4. Remove the Leaves
Starting from the bottom of the plant, gently wiggle and twist the larger leaves to remove them. Try to break each leaf off close to the stem. You’ll use these leaves to create new plants. If the top of the plant has tightly packed leaves, leave them attached and replant that portion as a new plant as well.
5. Plant the Leaves
Lay the leaves flat on top of the moistened potting mix. Don’t bury them! In fact, the cut ends of the leaves don’t even need to touch the soil to begin rooting.
6. Place Your Tray in Bright Light
Keep the tray in a warm spot with plenty of bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Use a spray bottle or a gentle watering method to keep the soil surface moist but not soggy.
7. Watch the Magic Happen
Within a few weeks, you’ll see tiny roots forming at the cut ends of the leaves. Soon after, small rosettes (your baby succulents!) will begin to grow. As this happens, the parent leaves will slowly wither away.
8. Transplant Your Babies
Once the rosettes are about 1/2″ across, gently move them to another tray to give them more room to grow. When they’re about an inch in size, it’s time to transplant them into their own pots.
Enjoy Your New Plants!
Growing baby succulents is such a rewarding process. Not only do you get to watch them grow, but you also get to enjoy the satisfaction of creating something new. These little plants make wonderful gifts for family and friends—or keep them for yourself to create a lush succulent display.
This activity is a great way to learn more about how plants grow while bringing a bit of green into your life. Plus, kids love the hands-on experience of helping “grow” their own plants, making this a perfect family project.
This fun and educational activity is brought to you in partnership with KidsGardening, an organization that inspires children and families to connect with gardening through creative projects. Happy propagating! 🌱
Need a succulent to get started? Visit us at any of our 7 locations to pick up everything you need!