The Experiment 🧪
On December 28th, I threaded two different sedum leaves and hung them by the same window. Same spot, same natural light, started on the same day. The only variable I changed was moisture.
- Orange sedum: lightly misted with a spray bottle on a regular schedule
- Green sedum: left completely dry — no spraying at all
I checked back on February 4th — five weeks later. Here's what I found.
The Results After 5 Weeks
The sprayed leaves were almost 100% successful. Strong roots forming, healthy little rosettes starting to emerge. Exactly what you want to see from propagation.
The dry leaves? Very low success. Most of them just... sat there. No roots, no growth, no sign of life.
Same window. Same light. Same timing. The only difference was a little bit of water misted every few days.
The Big Takeaway
Succulents have a reputation for loving dry conditions — and they do, once they're established. But during propagation, it's a completely different story.
Leaf cuttings need a small amount of moisture to trigger root formation. They're not pulling water from soil yet — they have no roots. That tiny bit of humidity from misting is what tells them to start growing.
The rule: Don't soak them. Don't overwater them. But do mist lightly every few days. That's it. That's the whole secret.
How to Thread Succulent Leaves for Propagation
Threading is one of my favorite propagation methods because it keeps the leaves off the soil, allows airflow underneath, and makes it easy to mist without creating soggy conditions. Here's how:
- Gently twist and pull a healthy leaf from the stem — make sure you get a clean break with the base intact
- Thread a thin string or wire through a container placed near your window
- Lay the leaves on top of the string so they're suspended, tip pointing down slightly
- Place them near a bright window (indirect light is fine)
- Mist lightly every 2–3 days — just enough to add a little humidity
- Wait. Roots appear first, then a tiny rosette. This takes 4–8 weeks.
What I Use 🛍️
* These are affiliate links — if you buy through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I actually use on my own plants.
Fine Mist Spray Bottle
The one I use for misting propagations. A fine mist is key — you don't want to soak them, just add a little moisture.
Find on Amazon →Miracle-Gro Cactus & Succulent Mix
The base I use for my custom succulent soil blend. Fast-draining and perfect for rooted props.
Find on Amazon →Grow Light
If you don't have a bright window, a grow light gives propagations the light they need to root faster.
Find on Amazon →Quick Recap
- Thread your leaves — suspended off the soil, near a bright window
- Mist lightly every 2–3 days — don't soak, just add humidity
- Be patient — roots take 4–8 weeks to appear
- Pot them up once roots are established, into fast-draining succulent soil
Have you tried threading succulent leaves for propagation? Did you spray or leave them dry? Drop a comment on the TikTok or send me a message on Instagram @mags_jungle — I would love to know. 🌿