I’ll admit, the idea of propagating succulents in the dead of winter sounded a bit ambitious when I first tried it. Winter is usually the time I spend nursing my garden dreams over a cup of tea, waiting for spring to rescue me from the gloom. But one particularly grey afternoon, I decided to experiment with some of my favourite succulents. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen?
To my surprise (and relief), it worked. In fact, propagating succulents in winter turned out to be a surprisingly rewarding experience. Sure, it takes a little more patience than in the sunnier months, but there’s something magical about watching new life emerge when everything else feels dormant. If you’re keen to give it a go, here are the seven tips I swear by.
1. Choose Healthy Leaves or Cuttings
When I first started propagating succulents, I made the rookie mistake of picking leaves that were already damaged or shrivelled. Spoiler alert: those leaves didn’t make it.
Now, I always start with healthy, plump leaves or stem cuttings. If I’m taking a leaf, I gently twist it off the stem, making sure the base stays intact – that’s where the magic happens. For stem cuttings, I use sharp, clean scissors to make a clean cut.
Why It Matters
The healthier the starting piece, the better your chances of success. Think of it as setting your succulent up with the best possible foundation for growth.
2. Let Them Callus Over
This step is non-negotiable. After taking cuttings or leaves, I always let them sit out in the open air for a few days. It felt strange at first – shouldn’t they be planted straight away? But succulents need time for the cut ends to dry and form a callus.
What I Learned
Skipping this step can lead to rot, especially in winter when the air is cooler and damper. Be patient – it’s worth the wait.
3. Use a Well-Draining Soil Mix
I can’t stress this enough: succulents and soggy soil do not get along, especially in winter. When I first tried propagating, I used regular potting soil, and my cuttings ended up waterlogged and mushy. Lesson learned.
My Setup
I use a cactus and succulent mix, sometimes adding extra perlite or sand for even better drainage. This ensures the soil stays light and airy, preventing water from lingering too long.
4. Water Sparingly (If at All)
Here’s the thing: in winter, succulents go semi-dormant, which means they don’t need much water. When I first started propagating, I was so eager to “help” my cuttings grow that I overwatered them. Big mistake.
My Rule of Thumb
After planting callused leaves or cuttings, I don’t water them at all for the first week. Once I see tiny roots forming, I start misting the soil lightly, only when it’s bone dry. And I never, ever drench the soil – less is more.
5. Find the Right Spot
One winter, I left my propagations in a dim corner of the room, thinking they’d be fine since they weren’t in active growth. I was wrong. The cuttings grew leggy, reaching desperately for light, and eventually gave up.
The Sweet Spot
Now, I keep my propagations in a bright, indirect light spot, like a windowsill. Natural sunlight can be a bit sparse in winter, so if I notice my cuttings looking stretched, I switch on a small grow light to give them an extra boost.
6. Keep Them Warm (But Not Too Warm)
Here’s a delicate balance I had to figure out: succulents like warmth, but blasting them with heat isn’t the answer. One year, I thought putting my propagations near the radiator would help speed things up. Instead, they dried out completely, roots and all.
My Fix
Now, I place my propagations in a spot with a consistent temperature of around 18–22°C. If your home is on the cooler side, a small heat mat can work wonders.
7. Be Patient and Trust the Process
Winter propagation takes time – and that’s okay. I remember the first time I propagated succulents, I checked them obsessively, wondering why nothing was happening. The truth is, roots take weeks (sometimes even months) to appear in the cooler months.
What I’ve Learned
Patience is key. Leave your cuttings alone and trust that they’re doing their thing beneath the surface. The moment you spot those tiny roots or baby leaves, it feels like a little miracle.
Why Propagate in Winter?
You might be wondering, “Why bother propagating in winter at all?” For me, it’s about finding joy in the quieter months. While my outdoor garden sleeps under a blanket of frost, propagating succulents gives me a little taste of growth and greenery indoors. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of getting more plants for free?
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever hesitated to propagate succulents in winter, take it from me – you can absolutely do it. With a bit of patience and care, you’ll be rewarded with new baby plants that brighten even the darkest days.
So, grab a few leaves, find a cosy spot by the window, and give it a go. Who knows? By the time spring rolls around, you might have a whole new collection of succulents to show off – all thanks to a little wintertime magic.