With water restrictions in place across much of Australia, plants that cope with drought are invaluable. None more so than succulents, the cactus-cousins without thorns but with thick fleshy leaves, often in stunning shapes and colours. Best of all, they’re easy to grow yourself. Succulents will strike, or grow, easily from virtually anything — even a single leaf. A new plant will form at its base, feeding off the old leaf until a new rosette (a circular arrangement of foliage) has rooted and is able to sustain itself. They will also grow off larger stem cuttings.

To start your own collection, get succulents from friends and willing neighbours (no stealing!) by carefully breaking off a leaf of the plant at its base.

Step 1

Set cuttings aside in a dry spot — they need to dry out for a few weeks before planting to help any wounds to callus over and prevent fungal attacks. Once they’ve callused over, you’ll start to see small rootlets appear and even tiny rosettes of foliage at the base of each leaf.

Step 2

Plant the leaves with the rosettes gently tucked into a bed of free-draining potting mix, which contains coarse sand to aid drainage. Place your plant out of strong sunlight at this stage.

Step 3

Once the babies have formed into larger plants, lift them out and replant into larger pots or the garden.

Step 4

The more sun your succulents get, the better the plants’ shape and colour will be. Add mulch and pebbles around the base of the plant to help reduce humidity, which succulents don’t like. The stones keep moisture away from the stem and allow water to flow straight into the soil. This also keeps weeds down to a minimum by denying them sunlight to grow. Water lightly after one week.

For more great ideas and practical solutions for your home see www.reallivingmag.com.au/