In today's fast-paced digital world, developing an appreciation for nature and gardening in our kids can be difficult, but it's not impossible! Teaching your kids how to propagate succulents can be an excellent way to connect them with the environment, engage them with their surroundings, and foster their green thumbs. In this blog, we'll explore the best succulents for starting your kids out with plant propagation. Not only will it inspire a lifelong love for gardening, but it's also a great way to score some free plants!
Is It Easy to Propagate Succulents in Utah?
The short answer is: yes! You can easily propagate most succulent varieties using various simple methods, including leaf cuttings, stem cuttings, offsets, and division. Succulents are incredibly hardy plants that are known for their ability to store water in their fleshy leaves, allowing them to survive in arid conditions, withstand neglect, and easily grow back from a fragment or cutting. With the right care and conditions, succulent cuttings will quickly develop roots and new growth, making their propagation a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
The Best Succulents for Propagation
If you're ready to start teaching your kids about the amazing world of succulent propagation, you'll want to pick up some of these top picks!
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
With its soothing gel and fun, spiky appearance, Aloe vera is an excellent choice for introducing children to succulent propagation, and many kids naturally gravitate toward it. The plant's thick, fleshy leaves store water, meaning the occasional missed watering won't hurt it too badly. Aloe vera pups, or offshoots, grow at the base of the parent plant and can be propagated by gently separating them from the rest. This division process teaches kids about the basics of propagation and allows them to witness the birth of a new plant from an existing one in real-time.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are considered lucky in certain cultures, making them extra special for kids! These hardy succulents have thick, glossy leaves that resemble small, rounded coins, and their easy-care nature and straightforward propagation process make them an excellent option for little green thumbs. Jade plants are best propagated using the stem cutting method, where your kids snip a healthy stem from the parent plant and place it directly in moist soil until it roots and develops into a new plant.
Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
The rosette-shaped leaves and vibrant colors of echeverias fascinate children, making them another succulent perfect for little hands to propagate. The best way to propagate echeverias is to carefully remove a few leaves from the parent plant and place them on well-draining soil until they root and develop into new plants, a hands-on approach that allows kids to witness the magic of plant growth up close.
Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Haworthia succulents are small, charming succulents with striking patterns and textures on their leaves. They are well-suited for indoor spaces and make great additions to your kids' bedrooms or study areas. The propagation of Haworthias are similar to that of Echeverias and involves placing cut leaves on top of suitable soil until new plantlets emerge.
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
Sedums, also known as stonecrops, absolutely captivate young children thanks to their wide variety of shapes and sizes. These hardy succulents can be propagated through both stem and leaf cuttings, providing your kids with different propagation methods to explore and learn from.
Burro's Tail (Sedum morganianum)
Burro's Tail is a unique trailing succulent that resembles a lush green waterfall when fully grown. Its plump, hanging stems fascinate children and look like something from another world! Propagating Burro's Tail involves taking stem cuttings and allowing them to callus before planting them in well-draining soil. The joy of seeing these cuttings develop into full-fledged plants is sure to leave a lasting impression on your kids!
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
The Christmas cactus is a delightful holiday plant that blooms with vibrant flowers during the festive season. Propagating this succulent is an exciting learning experience for children that doubles as an engaging homegrown holiday activity! Like jade plants, the best way to propagate Christmas cacti is by using stem cuttings, making it a simple yet incredibly hands-on process for your kids.
School may not be in session quite yet, but that doesn't mean your kids can't learn something new! Succulent propagation teaches your children about the science behind plant growth and instills within them the virtues of responsibility, patience, and wonder for the natural world. So, if you're ready to start propagating succulents with your kids, visit us at Millcreek Gardens to shop our superb succulent selection today!