
7 Low-Maintenance Succulents That Are a Breeze to Propagate
Succulents are the perfect houseplants for beginners or those who tend to neglect their plants. Some types can even adapt to low-light conditions, so you can grow them in various areas of your home. Not only are they low-maintenance plants, but they’re also really easy to propagate.
You can skip buying more plants by propagating succulents from ones you already have or even from your friends’ plants, if they’re willing to share. To find out which succulents take the least effort to propagate we spoke with horticulturist and botanical designer Nathan Heinrich. If you’re new to propagation, try it out with these seven succulents for the best results.
Tiscalatengo Gorge Sedum (Sedum clavatum)
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Heinrich says that Sedum clavatum is one of the easiest succulents to propagate, whether from leaves, stem cuttings, or division. This succulent has powdery blue rosettes that form dense mats that spill gently over the edge of a pot or rock garden, creating a soft, trailing effect.
“It thrives in almost any well-draining soil and requires minimal care, making it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced growers. Beyond its ease of propagation, this variety stands out for its beauty and adaptability, making it a top pick for any succulent collection,” he says.
Burro’s tail (Sedum morganianum)
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The sedum morganianum, also known as donkey’s tail or burro’s tail, is another trailing succulent that is easy to propagate. It produces trailing stems covered in plump, overlapping leaves that create a striking cascading effect.This variety pairs well with other succulents in mixed arrangements, offering both texture and color contrast.
Burro’s tail may seem delicate, but this can actually be a good thing for propagation. “Though the leaves break off easily when handled, this trait makes it highly successful for leaf propagation,” he explains. “Simply place the fallen leaves on well-draining soil and they will develop roots with minimal effort. Sedum morganianum also responds well to stem cuttings, making it a versatile option for succulent growers.”
Mexican Rosettes (Echeveria)
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Echeveria is one of the most beloved succulent genera and one of Heinrichs personal favorites. He says that the Echeveria is prized for its symmetrical rosettes and striking colors and is also among the easiest succulents to propagate from leaves, making them ideal for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
“With a broad range of varieties, Echeveria offers numerous options for propagation and growth,” he informs.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
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If you want a resilient succulent that thrives indoors and outdoors, the Jade plant is the one for you. Heinrich says its adaptability makes it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels.
“When grown in shaded areas or inside, its thick, oval-shaped leaves remain a rich, emerald green,” Heinrich says. “However, with increased sun exposure, the foliage develops striking red margins, creating a vibrant contrast,”
“In fall and winter, clusters of small, star-shaped white flowers emerge, adding to its charm,” he adds.
Heinrich says the jade plant is incredibly easy to propagate through stem cuttings, making it ideal for those looking to expand their collection with minimal effort. “Whether grown as a potted houseplant or incorporated into outdoor arrangements, Crassula ovata remains a favorite among succulent enthusiasts,” he says.
Ghost Plant (Graptopetalum paraguayense)
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According to Heinrich, the ghost plant is one of the fastest and easiest succulents to grow. “Its pale, opalescent white rosettes create a striking contrast in any arrangement, adding a delicate yet resilient beauty,” he says. “This succulent is among the most effortless to propagate, making it an excellent choice for beginners.”
“Its long, curling stems often become bare as they grow, with clusters of rosettes forming at the tips,” he continues. “While it readily produces new plants from leaf propagation, stem cuttings are just as effective.”
Whether you choose to propagate from leaves or cuttings, Heinrich says you’ll have new ghost plants before you know it.
Hen & Chicks (Sempervivum heuffelii)
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When it comes to one of the easiest succulents to propagate through division, Heinrich says hen & chicks tops the list. “These hardy, rosette-forming plants naturally produce clusters of baby plants, or ‘chicks,’ around the central mother plant, or ‘hen,'” he explains. “Since they’re connected by a short above-ground stem, these offsets are incredibly simple to separate.”
“Once a chick reaches a good size, gently detach it from the parent plant and place it on dry, well-draining succulent soil,” he continues. “In no time, it will develop roots and establish itself as an independent plant.”
He adds that this effortless division process makes sempervivum and jovibarba excellent choices for gardeners who want a self-sustaining and rapidly spreading succulent collection.
“Beyond their ease of propagation, these succulents are exceptionally cold-hardy, retaining vibrant colors and firm rosettes throughout the seasons, even in harsh winter conditions,” Heinrich says.
Elephant’s Food (Portulacaria afra)
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Heinrich states that Portulacaria afra is another standout succulent that ranks among the easiest to propagate. “In its native African habitat, this resilient plant is commonly referred to as ‘elephant’s food’ due to its role in the diet of wildlife,” he informs.
This succulent features beautiful burgundy stems that grow upright and have small, round, vibrant green leaves. “This versatile plant is particularly well-suited for those looking to learn the art of pruning, as it reliably produces two new shoots at each cut,” he informs.
“Thanks to its vigorous growth and adaptability, Portulacaria afra is an excellent choice for stem propagation, ensuring a rewarding experience for both beginner and expert succulent enthusiasts,” he continues.
Basic Care Tips for Your Propagated Succulents
Heinrich says that all the succulents on this list need similar conditions to thrive. So, if you decide to propagate and grow more than one type, you can use these care tips to ensure you keep your succulents happy and healthy:
- Use well-draining soil: Use a well-draining succulent mix with added perlite or sand. Make sure your containers have drainage holes to allow adequate drainage and prevent root rot.
- Provide bright indirect light: Although some succulents can tolerate low light, you should provide these types with bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth and color development.
- Don’t overwater: Since most succulents are drought-tolerant, you need to avoid overwatering them. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry completely between waterings.
- Place in areas with warm temperatures: These types of succulents prefer warm temperatures. Keep them in a warm environment and avoid excessive humidity and exposure to frost.