If you’re like me, you probably have a few succulent pups (or baby succulents) that have sprouted up from the main plant. While it’s tempting to just leave them be, eventually you’ll want to remove them from the stem so you need to plant them separately.

There are a few different ways that you can remove succulent pups from the stem. The first way is to simply twist them off. This is the most gentle method and will likely not damage the pup or the stem. However, it may take a few tries to get the pup completely detached

In this guide, I will show you everything you need to know about removing and transplanting succulent pups.

How to remove succulent pups from stem

Succulent pups are attached to the stem of succulent plants by a root system that can be pretty tenacious. Removing them from the stem can be difficult without damaging the plant. Still, you can remove the pup with a little patience and skill without causing permanent damage. If you don’t know how to remove pups from succulents from the stem, read these steps:

How to Identify Pups on Succulents

The easiest way to identify succulent pup growth is to look for new growth that is not in line with the rest of the plant. Pups will typically grow in a tuft or clump formation and will be smaller than the rest of the plant.

How big should the succulent pup be before removing it?

Some succulents will naturally produce pups, while others may need removal. The pup’s size should be determined by how large the original succulent is and how many expected pups are. If the pup is small, you can remove it without causing any damage to the plant. If the pup is larger, you should it with a scalpel or knife to avoid damaging the plant.

How to remove the pup step-by-step guide

The succulent pup is attached to the mother’s stem succulent by a tube of flesh. This tube can be easily removed by following these steps:

1) Cut off the tube’s end attached to the succulent mother. If dirt or soil is on the base stem, wash it off before stem cuttings. You may also need to use a knife if there are sharp edges on the end of the tube.

2) Pull on the pup until it comes free from the stem. If it does not come free easily, try gently pushing down on one side of the pup and pulling up on the other. Be gentle, as you do not want to damage either plant.

3) If the pup is large, you may need a scalpel or knife to remove it. Be very careful not to damage the mother’s succulents.

4) If the pup is small, you can remove it without damaging the mother succulent. Cut the tube of flesh where it is attached to the mother succulent.

Remember these things before starting your work

Loosen the soil around the pup

Succulent pups can often be challenging to remove from the stem they grow. The soil around the pup is often tightly bound and difficult to loosen. One option is to use a knife or a digging fork to break up the soil around the pup before removing it. Once the soil is loosened, you can remove it using your hands or a shovel.

Removing the leaves from the pup

If succulent pups are ailing, you need to remove the leaves to improve circulation and access to nutrients. Succulent pups may also require more light than other plants, so removing some of the leaves may help brighten up the area. You should not damage or remove too many leaves, as this can lead to the pup becoming stunted or stressed.

Trim the roots from the pup

To remove succulent pups from a stem:

  • Trim any long roots from the pup.
  • Cut off brown or dead roots and leave a healthy green stem.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice just below the soil line, removing the pup completely from the stem.

Be sure to let the cut heal before watering your pup again.

The first step is ensuring the cut has healed before watering your pup again. If the cut is not healing properly, water may cause bacteria to form, leading to root rot or even the death of your plant. In addition, make sure that you do not overwater your pup; overwatering can also cause problems such as wet soil, which can be conducive to pests and diseases.

Place the pup in a new pot with fresh soil

To pot succulent pups, you should ensure the soil is fresh. Steps for succulent potting

  • Ensure the pup is clean and free of fleas or ticks.
  • Fill a pot with fresh potting soil.
  • Place the pup inside the potting soil.
  • Make sure the soil is evenly distributed around the pup.
  • Close the pot and wait until the pup is settled in.

Water and wait: Watering sparingly, wait for new growth to emerge.

Be sure to let the cut heal before watering your succulent again, and then follow these steps:

  • Take a break from watering to allow new growth to emerge.
  • Water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
  • Use a hose with a fine spray nozzle to water plants in smaller areas.
  • Wait until the water runs clear before watering 
  • succulent plants again.
  • Water sparingly.

questions and responses

Should you remove pups from succulents?

Some people believe that removing pups can help the parent succulent grow larger and stronger. In contrast, others maintain that pups should be left alone so that they can continue to grow and provide new plants. Ultimately, whether or not to remove pups from succulents is up to the individual expert.

How do you separate succulent offsets?

Separating succulent offsets can be a difficult task. Still, you can accomplish it by using a sharp knife to cut the stem of the offset away from the mother plant. You should ensure that each offset has its root system before transplanting it into the soil. If the offset does not have its root system, it will not survive.

How do you propagate succulents from puppies?

One way to propagate succulents from puppies is by taking stem cuttings from the parent plant and then planting them in the soil. The stem cuttings should have at least two leaves attached and be allowed to dry out for a few days before being planted. You can propagate succulents by dividing the parent plant into several pieces, growing into a new plant.

Should I remove cactus pups?

A cactus reproduces pups – baby cacti attached to the main plant. Some people remove these pups to thin out the cactus population or don’t want the extra plants. However, there is no need to remove cactus pups unless they are in the way or you don’t want them.

How do you plant offshoots?

First, you must take stem cuttings from the mother plant to plant an offshoot. Cut off a stem at least four inches long with two or three leaves. Strip the leaves off the bottom half of the stem and dip them in the rooting hormone. Plant the stem in a pot of soil and water it well. Keep the soil moist until the offshoot roots.

What are succulent offsets?

Offset plants are shoots that grow from the side of a succulent plant’s main stem. They are often used to propagate new succulents, as they can be easily separated from the parent plant and replanted. Offsets can also create new, smaller plants that are easier to manage in a small garden or container.

Do succulents like to be crowded?

Like agaves and yuccas, you can plant some succulents in groups with plenty of growing room. In contrast, others, like echeverias and sempervivums, can become overcrowded more quickly and grow poorly if they are too close to other plants.

What to do with succulent pups?

The term succulent pup generally refers to the offshoot of a succulent plant. As with most plants, when a succulent pup is cut from the parent plant, You should keep the cut end moist until you can replant it in soil. You can plant stem cuttings in soil well-draining and have plenty of added organic matter. Pups should be spaced several inches apart to ensure adequate air circulation and light exposure.

Conclusion

In conclusion, removing succulent pups from the stem is relatively easy. You must be careful not to damage the pup or the parent plant. Remember to water both the pup and the parent plant regularly, and soon you will have a thriving succulent garden!