Thanks a lot, mailman…
Every once in a great while, the sheer joy of opening your Succulent Studios subscription box may be suddenly replaced with the sheer terror of seeing your new plants in a sad, broken state. When this happens, do not hesitate in reaching out to us so we can make good on our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Seriously, take us up on it.
But as for your busted succulents, don’t lose hope! Succulents are miraculously hardy. They can grow new roots, and their broken bits can even grow brand new succulents! Here’s how to revive your succulents if they arrive a little worse for wear.
2 Most Common Succulent Injuries:
Scenario 1: Fallen leaves.
When leaves fall off your succulent, the plant will still grow new leaves and thrive. Give it some love and patience, and you’ll have a filled-out succulent!
As for the fallen leaves, let them dry out for three days. This preps them for propagation, the process of growing new succulents from parts of a parent plant.
Here’s how to propagate your succulent’s fallen leaves:
- Set them out to dry out for 3 days, then place them on top of a layer of cactus soil (use a tray like the one in this video, a pot, paper plate, whatever!)
- Spritz with water every other day.
- After about three to five weeks, new roots and rosettes will have started form at the base of the leaf!
Once your rosette is big enough to plant, go ahead and nestle the new roots along with the old leaf in the cactus soil with the rosette sitting on top — there’s your new succulent!
See Also: Step-By-Step Propagation Guide
Scenario 2: Decapitation.
If your overzealous succulent arrives floating around its box without roots, it’s likely been snapped off from its roots. If your succulent DOES have roots intact, just nestle back into the pot and care for as normal. If it DOES NOT have roots, there’s an easy fix!
Here’s how to propagate your cutting (a succulent without roots):
- Set your succulent out for 3 days until the snapped-off part of the stem calluses over.
2. After 3 days, nestle the stem in cactus soil.
3. Set somewhere the cutting will get bright, indirect sunlight and water lightly (just enough to get the top of the soil wet) once a week.
4. After 3 to 5 weeks, your succulent will have started growing new roots! At this point, you can resume a normal watering schedule (water thoroughly once every two weeks).
*If your succulent does not have a stem, like a Zebra Wart succulent for example, just nestle it right on top of the soil this this:
As always, reach out to us at hello@succulent.studio with any comments or questions you have. Happy planting! 🌱🌵