How to Plant a Succulent Without Roots

Do you want to know how to plant a succulent without roots? You probably bought or were given a succulent as a gift and just realized that it has no roots.

Or maybe you have a cutting or sprout that doesn't have a root either, but you want to propagate.

Don't worry, succulents are one of the plants that can generate roots most easily.

Therefore, finding that your succulent has no roots doesn’t mean that it is hopeless or that it can no longer grow roots.

There are two main methods to stimulate new root growth in succulents and in this article, I will explain each in detail.

Growing roots with water therapy

I know, it sounds a bit strange to put a succulent in water therapy to grow its roots, being that one of the most common causes of death in succulents is precisely drowning or excess of water.

However, this method is not about submerging the succulent directly in water, but placing it very close to the water to force the plant to generate roots and make them grow to the point where the roots can reach the water.

In most succulents, when roots are generated by this method, they tend to grow thicker and more elongated compared to those grown in soil or substrate.

To stimulate root growth by this method, first place water in a disinfected glass or transparent container.

Then cover the top of the glass with plastic or a transparent bag. This is to prevent insects from entering and contaminating the water or damaging the plant.

Make a small hole in the plastic, just big enough for the stem of the succulent to fit through. Insert the stem through the hole, making sure that it is at 3-5 centimeters from the water so that it has oxygenation.

It is very important that the steam does not touch the water so that the plant does not drown and end up rotting. It is also important to place the container indoors (not outdoors) but in a place that has good lighting, for example, near a window or balcony. Once the roots are fully grown, you can remove it from the container and plant it in a pot with substrate and give it the normal care for succulents.

Placing them in dry substrate

When a succulent is decapitated because of damaged roots or in case of removing an offshoot that has no roots, there is another way to make its roots grow.

Leave the decapitated succulent or the offshoot in a place with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight, and in upright position (hanging or propped up) to promote the healing process.

Let it rest for 2 to 3 days before placing it on a dry substrate, which will promote both healing and the growth of roots.

Once healed, place it in a pot with dry substrate and do not water until at least a couple of roots have emerged. Without roots there is no way to take nutrients from the substrate.

When it has its roots, you can begin to give it the normal care and watering always waiting until the substrate is completely dry before watering it again.

Best method to plant a succulent without roots

It will depend on what species of succulent without roots you have. Some tend to do better with one therapy or another.

However, generally water therapy is the most effective technique for generating roots, not only because of the speed but also because of the number of roots it generates versus the substrate technique.

Method	Number of roots	Estimated time
Water terapy	Several, many sizes	1 week
Substrate	Moderate, few roots	2-3 weeks

Undoubtedly, succulents are plants that surprise for their resistance and adaptability in adverse environments, even when they lose their roots.

With patience and doing the techniques correctly, you can successfully save succulents without roots, stimulating their growth and eventually allowing them to grow like any other succulent within a few weeks.

I hope this article has been informative and helpful in your succulent care journey. If you know of another way to plant and grow a succulent without roots, feel free to share it below in the comments so we can all learn about alternative methods.