Aeonium propagation question

[el48tel]

My daughter posed this question ....
We've managed to take stem cuttings ... but is it possible to propagate from single leaf cuttings?

[topsy]

Hi,

I have known of only one species which has produced new plants from leaves and that is A.tabulaeforme but not from any other species. However if you want to try others then there is no harm but take the oldest and plumpest leaves to experiment with and like Echeveria leaves, make sure that the leaf is not damaged where it joins the main stem. The most likely species for this experiment is A.nobile.

Suzanne

[el48tel]

Suzanne
Thanks ... I will pass it on. We're scheduled to go on a buying mission in a few weeks time and will seek out said species. In the meantime I think the top-heavy Zwartkop she has may be destined for a trim .... all in the interests of science, of course.

[KathyM]

I've never tried Aeonium leaf cuttings but a few months ago I planted some leaves of one of their relatives, Aichryson tortuosum. The plantlet is so cute.

Aichryson tortuosum RRM16

[el48tel]

Kathy
Thanks.
It's obviously worth a try.

[MikeT]

We've managed to take stem cuttings ... but is it possible to propagate from single leaf cuttings?

Rudolf Schulz's book Aeonium in habitat and cultivation suggests that leaf cuttings are sraightforward, provided that you get the leaf base off the stem undamaged. He advises that the oldest leaves rarely root, but the mid-aged leaves root best. Leave for a 2-3 weeks to dry, only put onto damp compost once roots have formed.

Aeonium in habitat and cultivation is highly recommended if you have any interest in Aeoniums.

[el48tel]

We've managed to take stem cuttings ... but is it possible to propagate from single leaf cuttings?

Rudolf Schulz's book Aeonium in habitat and cultivation suggests that leaf cuttings are sraightforward, provided that you get the leaf base off the stem undamaged. He advises that the oldest leaves rarely root, but the mid-aged leaves root best. Leave for a 2-3 weeks to dry, only put onto damp compost once roots have formed.

Aeonium in habitat and cultivation is highly recommended if you have any interest in Aeoniums.

Mike - thanks for the information.
I will try the method you suggest.
The book seems out of print - seeing Keith Larkin soon at a Plant Fair so will ask him directly

[Liz M]

I have come across several instances of leaf propagation recently. The advice I picked up is that the thicker leaves varieties work best. A tabuliforme are quite thin leaved, so if they work they should all work. Patience and keeping them cool and shaded is probably the best way to succeed. I have tried and not succeeded yet.

[el48tel]

........ I have tried and not succeeded yet.

Liz ... that made me chuckle ... but I take encouragement from "yet"

I shall be giving it a try.