I accidentally snapped the top half of the stem off while trying to replant it into some better soil, it was my first succulent and a gift so I'm absolutely heartbroken.
Is there any way to save it? Could I just plant the top half? My friend suggested reattaching it using a toothpick but I'm unsure about that, I'm pretty new to owning any kind of succulents at all.
Any help would be so incredibly appreciatedšš
by FastManPietro
19 Comments
Don’t worry! Succulents are hardy little guys. Let the broken top callous over for a day or two, then just stick it in some gritty mix and it should root up and be fine! Just make sure not to water it until there are roots, or you may cause it to rot (if you slightly tug it and there is a bit of resistance, it’s probably rooted). The base will also likely send out new growth without needing to do anything.
Let the end of the bit that snapped off callous for a few days. Basically, don’t stick the wet end in dirt until it’s sealed itself off. It should root and continue just fine, but you won’t have the thick base anymore.
Side note, the little guys in the pot seem to be stretching for more sun so more light would probably help.
I do wonder if you could use grafting techniques to join the pieces again, but I wouldn’t try unless you’re willing to lose the plant.
Edit: It seems like the thick base is already trying to make new growth from one of the leaf scars, so you might have just doubled your plant.
Let it callous over in a shaded area. No direct sunlight for 3 days. Then put it right back in its old pot. Will add character and keep the whole family together
Your succulent might like more light its very long. And both parts seem otherwise healthy. So leave the bottom part as is. And for the snapped off part let the end callus/dry. Once dry just pot it and you have to versions of your succulent.
Head cuttings are very common to propagate your succulent.
!Etoliated
Congratulations, now you have two plants.
I’m sorry your succulent broke, that’s such an awful feeling! As others have said, let the end callous and plant the broken piece.
In addition to that, in order to keep your succulent happy and healthy, I highly recommend you do the following:
-Repot the plant(s). The root ball should take up about 2/3 of the pot. I’m guessing based on the size of the succulent, that the pot is way too big for it!
-When you repot, you should use a grittier mix of soil. Mix roughly half soil and the other half something gritty such as pumice. You can also use perlite if pumice is difficult for you to find, or a bit too expensive. It will do the job, but they do tend to float to the top of the soil over time, which is why I personally prefer pumice.
-More light! Do you see how the stalk is getting skinnier as it you compare the base of the plant to the top? That is a sign of etiolation. The plant is essentially stretching to try to reach its light, which makes the stem breaking much more likely. Etiolation also means the plant just isn’t as healthy as it should be, and it also makes it more likely for it to get infections, pests, rot etc. Increase light gradually so you don’t burn the plant.
I have a few of these and they are very resilient. Sometimes leaves will fall off and will be under the plant shelves outside; they will start to grow on the concrete.
Only leave about 3 inches of the stems, let it dry for 3 days, then pot up into cactus/succulent mix. Don’t water for about 2 weeks, then water and let dry completely between watering it will grow roots. Also, give it a good grow light if you don’t have good lighting. I did that with Jade Cuttings, and they are all thriving and growing from cuttings that I ordered off Etsy. Get a small pot. Leave the rooted stem it might grow some new shoots. Good luckš¤
Comsume the wasbi
I’d cut that top part down to maybe 4 inches long, let *that* callous, and then replant in dry soil. It will take maybe 2-3 weeks to root — you can wiggle gently after two weeks to feel for resistance.
Thatās the nice thing about this succulent. It should grow new shoots! Looks like it was leggy and it self pruned!
I did you a favor. It shouldnāt be growing like this. You should cut the top 2 inches off and repot it and throw away the stem.
Iām so sorry that happened ā¹ļø. But sheāll propagate well and youāve got all those babies!
Don’t panic, succulents are tougher thean they look.
Who set that system up
It’ll be ok just stick the other half in the ground
You havenāt killed it at all, you stumbled onto learning propagation š
Like the top comments said – let the broken end callous over, and then stick it in the pot right alongside the rooted portion of the stem. Wait about a week or so to water it, and both portions will continue to grow.
Aww itās got a buncha babies, itās just a struggling parent thatās all. Give them a break (and way more light lol theyāre starving and so are their children).
Instead of one parent, you will have two!