Can I propagate succulents in winter? Yes you can! I discovered 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 do it step by step.
It’s extremely easy to propagate succulents in the summer. Heck, with all that warmth and humidity, they sometimes even root themselves without any help from us at all.
Succulent propagation during the winter is a different story. During the colder months, they go into a dormant state, and rooting them is much more challenging.
But don’t worry, you won’t need to buy any special equipment for this fun project. I’ll show you exactly how I do it step by step, so you can try it for yourself.
Can You Propagate Succulents In Winter?
Yes, you CAN propagate succulents in winter… and it doesn’t have to be difficult either! I found a way of doing it very easily, with no equipment or supplies necessary – and it was completely by accident. Here’s how it happened.
I have a wonderful ledge next to my south facing window where my plants live during the winter. One day, I found a fallen succulent leaf that had roots and new growth!
When it fell from the plant, it landed on the adjacent window frame. It’s a cold but sunny spot, where the leaf received moisture from condensation on the window.
When I found it sprouting 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 that had fallen from others, and put them on the window frame too. Sure enough, it worked! After a few weeks, they started to put on new growth, and the roots became fuller.
Woohoo!! This is going to be my new method of propagating succulents in the winter.
Related Post: How To Make An Indoor Succulent Garden
How To Propagate Succulents In Winter
The best part about my method of propagating succulents in winter is that they don’t need any help or special care. When given the right conditions, they will root just fine on their own.
Here are the step so you can try it yourself. All you need are either leaves or stem cuttings, and a sunny, cool, windowsill that gets a bit of condensation.
Step 1: Cut a stem or break off a leaf – All you need to do is carefully break off a leaf or cut a piece of the stem.
When you break off a leaf, make sure you get the whole thing. A half broken one won’t root. You can see in the photo below examples of both a bad break (on the left), and a good one (on the right).
Step 2: Dust the end with rooting hormone (optional) – If you would like to get them to root faster, try dusting the cut end with rooting hormone before putting it by the window. This is completely optional though.
Step 3: Let them sit – Now you have to play the waiting game. It can take a few weeks or longer to propagate succulents in winter, so be patient. The fun part is that you get to watch the roots forming the entire time, which is always very exciting!
Step 4: Pot them up – Once the roots are one inch or longer, then you can plant them in a pot. Make sure to either use a fast-draining mix, or a gritty one.
Leaves with tiny roots or babies at the bottom can just be laid on top of the soil, with the roots pointing down.
Related Post: How To Make Your Own Succulent Soil (With Recipe!)
Keep them on the dry side through the winter, and be very careful not to overwater. If this is a problem for you, then get an inexpensive moisture gauge to help you get it right. Read my detailed succulent plant care guide for more info.
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 be able to propagate any plant you want? Then you’ll love my Plant Propagation Made Easy eBook! It will teach you all the basic methods so you can have the best success. Download your copy today!
More About Plant Propagation
- How To Propagate Jade Plants From Cuttings
- The Best Plant Propagation Tools, Equipment & Supplies
- Plant Propagation: A Detailed Guide For Beginners
- How To Propagate Aloe Vera By Division
- Propagating String Of Pearls In Water Or Soil
Do you propagate succulents in winter? Leave a comment below and share your tips.
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!
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!!!
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
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!
Monty says
Just put some on the window ledge,I will up date
Amy Andrychowicz says
Cool! Can't wait to see what happens! 🙂
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.
DIYchong says
Wow, very cool…