When is the best time of year to propagate succulents? If you think summer is the only time you can propagate succulent cuttings, I have great news for you! I found an easy trick that makes propagating succulents in the winter almost as easy as it is during the summer. Keep reading and I will show you exactly how to propagate succulents in winter…
It’s extremely easy to propagate succulents in the summer. All you have to do is stick a succulent leaf cutting in dirt and walk away.
In fact, rooting succulents during the summer is so easy that sometimes they don’t even need your help. The succulent leaves that fall from the plant will just root themselves in the dirt.
Succulent plant propagation during the winter is a different story. During the winter, succulent plants go into a dormant state, and rooting succulent cuttings is much more challenging.
Can You Propagate Succulents In Winter?
Yes, you CAN propagate succulents in winter… and it doesn’t have to be difficult either!
I discovered a way of easily propagating succulents from leaves during the winter – and it was completely by accident. Here’s how it happened….
Growing succulents during winter on my window ledge
How To Propagate Succulents In Winter
As you can see, I have this wonderful ledge next to my south facing window where my indoor succulent plant collection lives during the winter. One day, I found a leaf that had fallen off one of these plants had roots and new growth!
Winter succulent propagation from leaf
When the leaf fell from the plant, it landed on the adjacent window frame. It’s a cold but sunny spot, where the succulent leaf received moisture from condensation on the window.
When I found the baby succulent plant growing on the window ledge, I was intrigued. I wanted to see if this was a fluke or something that would work all the time.
So, I took a few more leaf pieces that had fallen from the various indoor succulents I have, and put them on the window frame. Sure enough, I was able to start growing succulents from leaf cuttings I added to the ledge too!
After a few weeks, these succulent leaf cuttings started to put on new growth, and the roots became fuller. Woohoo!! This is going to be my new method of propagating succulents from cuttings during the winter.
Propagating succulents from leaf cuttings in winter
These succulent cuttings didn’t need any special care from me, and rooted just fine on their own. But, if you want to try this method of propagating succulents in winter, and would like to get your succulent cuttings to root faster, try dipping the cut end into rooting hormone before putting it by the window.
Rooting succulent cuttings on window frame in winter
Taking Cuttings From Succulents
Succulents can be propagated by leaf or stem cuttings. All you need to do is carefully break or cut off a piece of the leaf or stem from your succulents. Now, you’re ready to start propagating.
One thing to keep in mind when propagating succulents from leaf cuttings is that when you break off a leaf, make sure you get the whole thing. A half broken succulent leaf won’t root. You can see in the photo below examples of both a bad leaf cutting (on the left), and a good one (on the right).
Taking succulent leaf cuttings
The end of the leaf on the left was broken when I tried pulling it from the plant, and that one won’t root. The leaf on the right has a clean break, so I’ll be able to propagate it.
Learn more about taking cuttings from succulents, and get step-by-step instructions for growing succulents from cuttings in my detailed post: How To Propagate Succulents From Cuttings.
Planting Propagated Succulent Cuttings
Have you ever wondered how to plant succulent cuttings? The good news is that potting succulent cuttings is pretty simple too.
It’s easy to figure out when to plant succulent cuttings, they’re ready to be planted as soon as the cuttings start growing roots.
Succulents are very sensitive to being overwatered though, so it’s important to use potting soil that is specifically made for succulents when planting a succulent cutting. You can buy potting soil for succulents, or you can make your own succulent soil using my recipe.
Succulent growing roots from stem cutting
If you’re propagating succulent stem cuttings, you can simply plant the rooted stem piece into the soil like you would pot a plant. But, if you are growing succulents from leaves, then be careful not to plant them too deep.
To plant rooted leaf cuttings, lay the leaf on top of the soil and gently cover only the roots with a thin layer of soil. If the roots aren’t very long yet, you can just leave the leaf sitting on top of loose soil, and the roots will find their way in as they grow longer.
Use small pots when planting succulent cuttings. Basic 2″ starter pots or 4″ starter pots work great for baby succulent plants, or you can buy some small succulent planters for your new babies.
Planting propagated succulent leaf cuttings
Winter Succulent Cuttings Care Tips
Growing succulents in winter is very easy. Once you have potted up your rooted cuttings, you can care for them just as you would any other succulent plant. Just keep in mind that since succulents go dormant during the winter, so you may not see much growth on your cuttings until spring.
Propagating succulents from stem cuttings during winter
Light: Put your succulents inside, in a sunny window where they will get lots of light. If you don’t have a sunny window to put them in, then you should add a grow light.
Water: Tiny succulent plants can easily wash away or be dislodged when you water them. For that reason, you may find it easier to mist the small succulent plants rather than watering them, just until they get a little bigger.
Bottom watering your baby succulents would also work, but it can be more difficult to tell if you’re over watering them when you water from the bottom. If you have trouble giving your small succulents the correct amount of water, I recommend using a soil moisture gauge.
Fertilizer: Succulents don’t need to be fertilized during the winter, but will benefit from being fed during the spring and summer months.
Once your miniature succulents are established in their new pot, feed them using a cactus and succulent plant food, or use a general purpose houseplant fertilizer.
Planting propagated succulents in starter pots
Read my detailed succulent plant care guide for more tips on taking care of succulents.
If you find it difficult to propagate succulents during the winter, give this method a try. It’s a fun experiment, and a great way to keep busy during the long winter months. If it works for you, stop back and let me know.
Do you want to learn more about plant propagation, and be able to propagate any plant you want? You’ll love my Plant Propagation Made Easy eBook! It will teach you all the basic methods for propagating any plant you want, as well as how to care for your new plants. You will get hooked on propagating your plants for sure! Download your copy today!
If you don’t have any succulent plants yet, you definitely need to add some to your houseplant collection! They are fun and easy (and addicting!) to grow! You can buy succulents online (this is a great source), or find quality succulent plants at your local garden center.
Recommended Books On Succulents
- Plant Propagation Made Easy eBook
- Succulents Simplified: Growing, Designing, and Crafting with 100 Easy-Care Varieties
- The Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents
- Idiot’s Guides: Succulents
- Growing Succulents Indoors
More Information About Plant Propagation
- How To Propagate Jade Plants From Cuttings
- Plant Propagation Supplies
- What Is Plant Propagation (and how to get started)
- How To Propagate Spider Plants
- How To Propagate Aloe Vera By Division
Products I Recommend
Do you propagate succulents in winter? Leave a comment below and share your tips for propagating succulents.
DIYchong says
Wow, very cool…
Candy "Sweetstuff" says
Great job and wonderful find! Succulents like that light and will root anytime of year. These little leaves will make roots as long as you give them some light. I have some that did this on my cold garage floor. LOL Put them in dirt when they have a tiny little plant and they will grow. These little guys want more water than an adult but still be careful!
Amy - Get Busy Gardening says
Hi Candy, thanks for your informative comment! Here in Minnesota, I haven't had great success rooting succulents during the winter… until now. 🙂 I've already potted up the ones in the picture, and I'm waiting on more to root. I love succulents!!
Amy
Claudia says
I'm really surprised these rooted for you. How cool is that? Every opportunity to see something growing during the winter is a real treat. Thanks for sharing.
Amy - Get Busy Gardening says
I was surprised too! The house is so dry during the winter that usually they just shrivel up and die when they drop on the ledge. But the window frame was the key. I guess it's the perfect spot for them right now.
Monty says
Just put some on the window ledge,I will up date
Amy Andrychowicz says
Cool! Can't wait to see what happens! 🙂
Bianca says
Thanks for this! I’m in NY and just getting into these a little more now. I’m in love! Have already had some live and learn moments .
Amy Andrychowicz says
You’re welcome!
Aida F. says
Oh WOW Amy, I LOVE IT!! I am learning so much great information through you. I will be trying this method from now on, thank you and I can’t wait to get more succulent plants for my tiny collection!!:-)
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome, hope it works great for you too!
Amy
Danna Durkin says
Brought some succulents cuttings home from a friend of mine in California to Illinois. I planted in two large pots in the correct type of soil. I put them in the sun when we have it and put a plant light on them when we don’t. I don’t see how they will ever take root in the dry soil. I water lightly once a week. Any other tricks you know that will make them grow or at least stay alive until summer when I can put them outside?
Amy Andrychowicz says
It’s hard to get succulent cuttings to root in dirt during the winter. Rather than watering them, try misting them and make sure to put them in a warm spot. You definitely want to keep the soil dry, or they will likely rot. Misting daily will help encourage root growth. Also, dipping the cuttings in rooting hormone will help encourage them to grow roots. Hope it works!
Katey B says
I have little propagated succulent leaves that are literally growing in a bare Tupperware container. I haven’t watered them but just leave them by a window and they have done their thing! Succulents thrive with neglect lol well too much TLC can kill them easily, esp when it comes to watering. Succulents are desert plants so only require a minimal amount of watering. I also have succulents propagating on a thin layer of cactus soil mixed with perlite and sand. I Just laid the leaves on top and haven’t touched them. Once they get to the size of a pea I will move them over to soil with a little more moisture. So yea it was super hard for me at first to not overwater my succulents but through a lot of trial and error…and dead succulents I’ve leaned less is more. Good luck!!!
Patty McLaughlin says
Hi Amy, Thanks for the tip, I’ll definitely give this a try. I haven’t had any luck here in Oklahoma when I bring my succulents in for the Winter, the dry heat and lack of sunshine kill them every time. Where can I buy a good plant light?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I have a couple of small grow lights that work great to supplement the amount of light that one or two plants get, but don’t take up a ton of room. Here’s the one I have Small Grow Light. Otherwise, you can get a shop light and then buy grow light bulbs that fit in there. I set up those when I’m starting my seeds. This is the type of fixture that I have… Shop Light Fixture.
LaVon Cloward says
Have you started the succulents from seed? Have you had any luck with it. I just bought some seeds but I don’t know if I can start them before spring. Could I do it now and use a grow light?
Amy Andrychowicz says
I have grown a few of my succulents from seeds. I guess it depends on the type of succulent plant it is. If they are plants for outside, then I would wait until late winter to start them. Otherwise, if they are for succulent houseplants, then you could start them now if you want.
Samantha says
Your blog is so helpful. Its winter already and i need 150 plus succulents for spring. I did my cuttings last night and an going to the store now for root stimulator. Have you tried a dome set up with a grow light or would thaf be too much moisture? I dont have a south facing window but will pick up my grow lights at my moms in a few days. Ive got 55 cuttings so far, wish me luck.
Amy Andrychowicz says
A dome enclosure would probably be too much moisture for succulents. What I did with mine was I put them into clear plastic storage bins. I left the tops off the bins. When the plants are grouped together in this way, they should get enough humidity. I would allow the soil to stay on the dry side and mist them lightly throughout the winter if they look like they’re starting to shrivel. Don’t overdo the misting though or they could rot or mold. Keep in mind that succulents don’t grow much during the winter, so they won’t need fertilizer or much water. Good luck!
Samantha says
Thanks for the advice. So far so good. I had quite a bit of loss but lots of success so far. The plants are close to the gas fireplace that heats my appartmeny and the grow light is on 16-20 hours a day. I have a handheld sprayer that I use to water them when they feel completely dry. Im going to start using my humidifier more and hopefully that will also help the plants think its not winter. The wedding is in 3 months and I need these babies to grow.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome! Sounds like you’re doing all the right things! Now that spring is right around the corner, you could give them a half dose of liquid fertilizer next time you water, and gradually increase that to a full dose each time you water.
Karen Riemersma says
How did your succulents survive for the wedding? I’m doing the same thing for my son’s wedding in June 2017. I’m worried about how they will do during our Wisconsin winter. I have about 300 succulents in various stages of growth! Hopefully I will end up with enough survivors for the centerpieces. I’m debating getting a large grow light.
Sandra Wyss says
I have purchased grow light bulbs and put them in clip on gooseneck desk lites you can aim them how you want!
Candace says
I guess I have a huge advantage living in north San Diego county. I’m still propagating succulents outdoors in December! I was just looking into ways of keeping my tiniest plants warm for the winter when I came across this article. Contrary to popular opinion, it does get cold at night (high 20’s to low 30’s) in southern California! I live in an apartment and my porch faces north, so I have less light to work with too. The struggle is real, I swear.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes… yes you do! I dream about living there myself… some day!! Haha, I believe you! Everyone has struggles no matter where they live. 🙂 Good luck with your babies.
Tai says
Hi Amy,
I tried your method and I have 2 succulent leaves that are sprouting. Once they begin sprouting, is this the time to go ahead and put them in soil?? Or do I need to wait, and if so, wait for what exactly? Thanks in advance!
Amy Andrychowicz says
Awesome! So glad to hear it worked for you!! You can simply lay the leaves on top of the soil and gently cover their roots with a bit of soil. I just lightly mist them after I move them into a pot rather than watering them. Then once spring comes, start fertilizing. Their roots will find their way into the soil as they grow larger. Good luck!
Robin says
I’ve been using this method for a while now, snd it works every time.:) but what I can’t figure out I’d hire to pot the bitty babies they are too small to do the traditional way of digging a little hole and filling in around. If you could show us how to put the babies.that would be awesome!
Amy Andrychowicz says
I just lay them on top of the dirt and cover the roots lightly with dirt. Once they start to grow larger, the roots will find their way into the soil.
Patrick Ryan says
You should include a warnin,g Amy-propagating succulents can be very addictive! You collection will expand quickly. So easy.
I use Black Gold Cactus Mix with excellent results. I find that the mix is hefty enough to support large succulents and cacti. Keeps them from tipping over when they get large. Works well for amaryllis too, as they can get very tippy in those small plastic pots that come in the gift boxes at the store.
Amy Andrychowicz says
LOL, that is so true!
Helga Miller says
HI Amy, I have a light fixture above my garden window with a regular spotlight bulb that I turn on after dark for a few more hours for my succulent collection. Should and could I replace it with a grow light? It seems to be working but my aloe plant develops brown tips. I know it needs repotting soon. Love your advice column and thank you for it!
Amy Andrychowicz says
If the light is working to keep your succulents from growing leggy, then I don’t see any reason to change it. The light wouldn’t cause the leaves on your aloe plant to turn brown though, unless it’s a really hot bulb and the leaves are getting burned because they’re too close. But brown aloe leaves are usually caused by improper watering. Here’s detailed info about caring for aloe… The Ultimate Guide To Aloe Vera Plant Care
Joseph Buckley says
What about a heating tray. There have the same heat as summer. I live in Ireland and grew succulents in a cold garage.
This year i am going heatinf because i have growing some already summer in garage.
Joseph Buckley
Amy Andrychowicz says
Yes, a heating tray should work to propagate your succulents during the winter.
Nfn says
It is winter now in north Texas (zone 8a) and I started this hobby late in the October. Luckily I have a very large south facing window in the bathroom so I put 4 trays of leaves there. I used 1:1 ratio of perlite and cacti soil I got from Lowe’s. I mist it everyday because the window receives a lot of sun and it could become hot and dry. Some varieties root faster than others. So far some of the leaves have rooted and sprouted babies. Some just grew lots of roots and no babies. Some are just being stubborn and laying there. Anyway I feel like a mother hen checking up on my chicks everyday. Haha.
Amy Andrychowicz says
Haha, that’s awesome! Sounds like you’re having lots of fun experimenting with propagating your succulents this winter. Enjoy!
Kay says
Great info!
Do you have specific info on how to propagate a string of ‘x’ during winter?
I bought a struggling succelent at a nursery just before winter. I really wanted it even thought was not in best shape. It’s a sting of dolphins. The main stem/roots just shrinking and dying so I thought it may be best to cut them all and start fresh. But don’t know how – since they have a ‘string’ they look different to ‘regular’ succelents and but sure how to propagate them. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks in advance!
Amy Andrychowicz says
I don’t have a specific post for that type of plant, but it would be similar to propagating other succulents. You can try the same method I outline in the post above. Or you can try rooting the cuttings or leaves in soil as described here. If you root them in soil, just remove a few of the bottom leaves so that there’s a stem to dip in rooting hormone and place in the soil. Good luck!
sara says
Do you apply the rooting hormone before it calluses over or after?
Amy Andrychowicz says
Apply the rooting hormone after the succulent cuttings have callused over, just before putting them into the soil.