Succly PIY Kit: The Complete Guide to Rooting and Caring for Cuttings

Cuttings behave differently from established succulents. For the first few weeks they live off stored water and nutrients while they grow roots. Your job is to prevent rot while giving just enough moisture to keep them from shriveling. Use this guide as the deep dive that pairs with your care card.

Quick start
    •    First drink comes after 2 to 3 days. Give 1 tablespoon of water per pot.
    •    While rooting, water a tablespoon every 1 to 2 weeks only if the leaves begin to wrinkle.
    •    After about 2 months or once roots are clearly established, water deeply and then let the soil dry completely before watering again.

What is in your PIY kit and why it matters
    •    Well draining succulent mix. Prevents water from sitting on the roots and stem.
    •    Rooting hormone. Encourages faster, cleaner root initiation.
    •    Decorative rocks for top dressing. Helps stabilize the cutting, slows surface evaporation slightly, and keeps leaves off damp soil.
    •    Pots with drainage. Essential for both the rooting phase and later deep watering.

Why leaf loss is normal during rooting

Cuttings redirect energy to roots. Lower or outer leaves may yellow, thin, or drop as stored water and carbohydrates are mobilized to build roots. A few sacrificed leaves are a sign of the plant prioritizing survival. Remove those leaves once they are fully dry and papery. If leaves are mushy or black, that points to excess water or moisture.

How to water during the rooting stage
    •    One tablespoon is about 15 mL. Think of it as a “sip,” not a soak.
    •    Water every 1 to 2 weeks, only when you see mild wrinkling or the pot feels very light. In cool rooms you may do every 2 to 3 weeks.
    •    Aim the water at the base of the stem. Do not mist and do not drench the pot.

When to transition to deep watering

Switch after you see one or more of these:
    •    New firm growth at the tip
    •    A gentle tug meets resistance
    •    Visible roots through a drainage hole
    •    It has been 6 to 8 weeks in warm seasons or up to 10 to 12 weeks in cooler rooms

Deep watering method
Water until you see a steady trickle from the drainage hole, then let the pot drain completely. Do not water again until the soil is fully dry. In warm months this is often every 1 to 2 weeks. In cool months it may be every 2 to 4 weeks.

Light, airflow, and temperature
    •    Bright, indirect light 8 to 12 hours daily. Morning sun is great. Avoid harsh afternoon sun until rooted or leaves may scorch.
    •  Gentle airflow helps the cutting surface stay dry. A nearby open window or low fan is perfect. 
    •    Best range is 60 to 85°F. Protect from drafts below 50°F and from heat above 95°F, especially for unrooted cuttings.

Use this chart for troubleshooting

Watering cues

    •    The weight test. Lift the pot right after a tablespoon watering to learn the “wet weight,” then again when dry. Water only when very light.

    •    The fingertip test. If the top half inch is dusty dry and leaves are wrinkling, give a tablespoon.

    •    The look test. Firm, glossy leaves need no water. Dull, accordion wrinkled leaves need a small sip.

Fertilizer

Wait until you see active growth after rooting. Then you can feed at one quarter strength once a month during spring and summer. Do not fertilize unrooted cuttings.

Hygiene and resets

    •    Always use clean scissors for recuts.

    •    If rot appears, cut back to firm, healthy tissue, allow it to callus, re dip in hormone, and reset in fresh dry mix.

    •    Discard soggy soil. It harbors pathogens.

Pests

Check weekly for mealybugs in leaf axils and under rocks. If found, dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab and improve airflow. Treat early.

Final reassurance

You will likely see a little leaf loss and mild wrinkling while the cuttings focus on root growth. That is expected. Respond with small tablespoons of water, bright indirect light, and good airflow. Avoid the urge to soak the soil during the rooting phase. Once roots are in place, your normal deep water and dry down routine can begin, and growth will pick up.

You got this! You can text us as well and we will help you through anything you need! 920-278-2259. Remember succulents are hardy! They will become beautiful plants YOU created! Go you!

*We want you to feel confident planting with your Succly PIY Kit. Every kit comes with our 3 Month Rooting Guarantee: if your cuttings haven’t taken root or die off within 3 months of delivery, we’ll send you a fresh set of cuttings free of charge.

To claim your replacement:

• Please email or text us with a photo of your cuttings

• Limit: one replacement pack per kit

• We’ll cover the shipping cost