One of the joys of gardening is to grow one's own plants. Using basic propagation techniques, you can take leaf cuttings or remove offshoots to create a collection of your favorite succulents. Leaf cuttings involves cutting off sections of stem, drying, and then planting the cuttings in a cactus mix. Offshoots are “babies” or smaller plants that are removed from the main plant. Both forms are simple and safe for basic propagation.

1. Leaf Cuttings:
2. Many cacti and succulents such as Senecios and Mammilarias can be reproduced through offshoots.
3. One of the simplest and effective ways of propagating cacti and other succulents is take offshoots.
4. Small plantlets or branches are separated from the stock or mother plant during the active growing period (between May-July).
5. If you cannot twist off the offshoot from the parent plant, then use a sharp knife and slice at the node or base of offshoot.
6. Wait for the offshoot to dry for several days or until a callous form on the offshoot.
7. Fill a small pot with cactus mix and plant the offshoot to the same depth it sat in the parent pot.
8. Top dress with gravel or sand.
9. Allow for 2-4 weeks for the offshoot to develop roots before watering.
10. Whether you propagate by leaf cuttings or removing offshoots, either method will provide rewarding results!