TikTok's Genius Hack For Propagating Succulents Is Absolutely Worth Trying

Succulents are a notoriously low-maintenance group of plants that grow well even in arid or other harsh environments– especially useful in states like California, which have experienced increasing droughts under the impacts of climate change. Over 10,000 species of succulents grow worldwide and account for about 3% of flowering plants. You don't need to be in an arid climate to think about starting your own succulent garden, though. There are so many fast-growing succulent plants to consider wherever you might be, and one creative suggestion offers a hack to propagate your own with hanging strings of leaf cuttings that are as aesthetic as they are practical.

A hallmark of most succulent flowers are their fleshy stems and leaves that store water. One recommended method is plucking the most healthy and plump leaves you can find off of your succulent, leaving them to dry so the wounds of this disconnect heal, and then stringing them together using a needle and thread. The end result of this hack should look similar to a popcorn garland that you can then hang in a well-ventilated place and spray with water once a week. Buds will begin to grow as the leaves die off, which you can pick off and leave at the top of some soil. Moisten these buds daily, and in about 10 days you should start to find roots. Then it's time to plant your propagules in their new home garden.

Because succulents are so hardy and survive on very little water, it's easy to propagate lots of plants at once. Succulents can just as successfully grow in rock gardens and the sandy pockets of stone walls as they can on your patio or in a flower pot. There are plenty of unique succulents that can add visual interest to your garden design, like string of dolphins. If you plan things just right, you can string up a few of these succulent garland hacks to accompany your actual houseplants during a party for extra visual flair and, potentially, gifts that your guests can take home.

Of course, just because succulents are low-maintenance plants doesn't mean they require no maintenance. The leaves you're hanging out to dry are still susceptible to certain environmental conditions. For example, in particularly hot environments, the succulent leaves can be sunburnt, leading to cell damage and permanent scarring if you don't move them to a shadier spot. On the flip side, there are also plenty of tips to help care for your succulents during the winter, when outdoor propagations might need to be brought in from the cold. Succulents are a great way to add some extra life and color into your home, regardless of the weather outside, and this leaf-stringing hack to propagate new plants is just one way you can help spread the love all over.