Sticky Situation? How to Easily Propagate Aeonium glutinosum
Aeonium glutinosum, also known as the “sticky aeonium” or “chocolate soldier,” is a captivating succulent with its captivating rosette of deep green, velvety leaves edged with a burgundy hue. Its name comes from the sticky, resinous coating that covers the leaves, and it lends an almost otherworldly appearance to this plant.
But what if you want to enjoy more of these fascinating plants? You’re in luck! Aeonium glutinosum is one of the easiest succulents to propagate, giving even beginner gardeners a chance to grow their own little “chocolate soldiers.”
The Two Most Popular Ways to Propagate Aeonium glutinosum:
1. Leaf Cuttings:
This method is incredibly simple and takes only a few steps:
- Choose Healthy Leaves: Select plump, healthy leaves from your Aeonium glutinosum plant. Avoid any leaves that appear damaged, shriveled, or discolored.
- Remove the Leaf: Gently twist or pull the leaf from the base of the rosette.
- Let it Dry: Allow the leaf to callus over for a day or two. This helps prevent rot when you plant it.
- Plant the Leaf: Once the cut end has calloused, place the base of the leaf into a well-draining potting mix. Don’t bury the entire leaf – just the base.
- Provide Light: Place the potted leaf in a bright, indirect light location. Avoid direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day.
- Watering: Mist the soil lightly every few days, ensuring it doesn’t become soggy. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and you’ll soon see new plantlets emerging.
2. Stem Cuttings:
This method is ideal if you want a faster growing plant and prefer a more traditional cutting approach:
- Prepare the Cutting: Cut a healthy stem with a sharp, clean knife or pair of scissors. Aim for a section with several leaf nodes.
- Remove Lower Leaves: Remove the bottom few leaves from the stem to expose the node.
- Allow to Callus: Let the cut ends callus over for a day or two.
- Plant the Cutting: Insert the calloused end into a well-draining potting mix and firmly press it into the soil.
- Provide Light: Place the potted cutting in a bright, indirect light location. Avoid direct sunlight until the cutting has rooted.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. New leaves should appear, indicating successful rooting within a few weeks.
Tips for Success:
- Use a Well-Draining Potting Mix: A mixture of cactus and succulent potting mix is ideal.
- Proper Drainage: Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogged soil.
- Light and Temperature: Provide bright, indirect light and warm temperatures.
- Patience: Be patient! Propagation takes time, but it’s rewarding to see your new Aeonium glutinosum plants grow and flourish!
Beyond Propagation:
Once your cuttings have rooted, they can be repotted into larger containers as they grow. Continue to provide them with well-draining soil, ample sunlight, and consistent watering (allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings). With these simple care tips, you can enjoy the beauty of these “sticky” plants for years to come.
So, if you are looking for a fun and easy way to expand your succulent collection, give Aeonium glutinosum propagation a try. You’ll be surprised at how simple it is, and soon enough you’ll have a whole army of “chocolate soldiers” marching across your windowsill!