Can Kalanchoe Plants Grow From Leaves?

The succulent leaves of kalanchoes can be cut, cured, and planted to propagate.

Kalanchoes (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana) are flowering sedums native to Asia with waxy, succulent leaves and shallow roots. Cuttings from your favorite kalanchoe variety can be easily propagated from leaf or stem cuttings.

Cuttings

You can make cuttings from the fresh leaf, from tiny plantlets that sometimes grow on the leaf margins, or from broken leaves that fall around the kalanchoe plant. Make cuts after blooms have dried and been removed to ensure that most of the plant's nutrient supply is being directed toward the leaves.

Curing

The Clemson Cooperative Extension recommends allowing the cuts to heal or callus for several days before potting. This is to prevent soil-borne disease organisms from easily penetrating and decomposing your cutting. Don't allow the cutting to completely shrivel before planting.

Considerations

Rooting hormone is not necessary, but may be helpful. Plant cuttings into light potting media high in organic matter kept at a fairly constant temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit for best results. Transplants should be ready in two to three weeks.

References

• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Kalanchoe
• Auburn University: Kalanchoe
• University of Florida IFAS: Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana Kalanchoe