The cactus and succulent plants reproduce in ways very similar. There are basically five methods of propagation of cacti and succulents that we will describe below. Also bear in mind that each method of propagation is best suited to some species than to others. We will see also what species can reproduce in each method of propagation.
It is sometimes very easy to identify the best way to propagate a cactus or succulent, and other times it is not. The first thing that you need to ask yourself is: What kind of plant I have? If you do not pay attention to these questions: How is the form? What is tall and thin, short and round, or has many small leaves? How do you grow? What flourishes? The following will identify the type of spread for our succulent.
Seeds
Most cacti can be propagated by seeds. However, due to the slow growth of some species, they are sometimes more practical other methods . The cactus with solitary habits of growth are propagated best by seeds. As:
- Notocactus spp. (genre Parody)
- Neoporteria spp. (genus Eriosyce)
If you want to know more about the method of seed propagation-we suggest this article.
Cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is easy and practical. Many cacti and succulents can be propagated by stem cuttings. In general, if the plant has a region elongated stem that is actively growing, propagation by cuttings should work well. Some species for which it is recommended this method are:
- Genus Opuntia
- Cereus and Trichocereus (genus Echinopsis)
- Genus Mammillaria
- Euphorbia
- Stapeliads
- Bryophyllum
- Kalanchoe
- Graptopetalum
Here you can learn to play succulents by cutting step-by-step.
Leaf cuttings
The majority of succulent plants can be propagated by cuttings of leaves. The genres that are typically propagated in this manner include, but are not limited to:
- Gasteria
- Haworthia , Sansevieria
- Crassulaceae ( Kalanchoe , Sedum , Graptopetalum , etc).
Graft
The graft requires a pattern of resistant that is compatible with the candidate to propagate. This compatibility is very important, without it the success of the graft is unlikely. For cacti and succulents will usually follow the following combinations of pattern and graft:
Pattern: Hylocereus trigonus
Grafts supported: Gymnocalycium mihanovichii, Echinopsis chamaecereus, Gymnocalycium denudatum, Parody leninghausii, Cereus cristata, Parody scopa, Mammillaria theresae, Rebutia pulchra.
Pattern: Hylocereus undatus
Grafts supported: cactus epiphytes , such as the Christmas cactus, and cactus cylindrical and globular
Pattern: Cereus repandus
Grafts supported: Melanocactus, Rebutia muscula, Gymnocalycium mihanovichii ‘Hibotan’
Pattern: Echinopsis spachiana
Grafts supported: Cereus, Espotoa , Echinocactus , Lobivia and Melocactus
Don’t miss our full guide to learn how to graft cactus.
Bulbs, tubers, seedlings and otvodki
Many succulent plants are propagated asexually by means of side shoots underground. These buds give rise to seedlings that can be cut to produce a new plant self-sustaining. The aloe and some agave to form plantlets or bulbils on their stems. Can be removed and planted in another place. The Kalanchoe produce small plantlets on the scalloped edges of its leaves. These seedlings can also be used, in conditions of warm temperatures, to reproduce the plant.
- Bulbs and plants: Kalanchoe, Aloe, Agave murpheyi, Agave vilmoriniana, Agave fourcroydes
- Otvodki: Echinopsis, Mammillaria, Agave, Aloe, Haworthia, Crassulaceae, Kalanchoe, Sedum, Graptopetalum
- Tubers: Ceropegia