My Cotyledon Macrantha was etiolated and a couple weeks ago I beheaded the stalk. I gave up on trying to propagate them for whatever reason and tossed them to the side in a wire bin. I went to clean up the porch today and I saw they are sprouting several babies on the sides! It's pretty cool, but there's no roots? It wasn't lying in soil, just air drying for days. Should I plant it or wait to see roots?


PS - These are only 2 of the 5 beebs.

It looks as if there is some rotting area that should be cut off first, maybe? But it clearly wants to live, don't give up on it.

porkpal said:It looks as if there is some rotting area that should be cut off first, maybe? But it clearly wants to live, don't give up on it.

Yeah I already cut off that rotted end, luckily that was on the smaller stalk. The larger one is just fine. I don't think I should water it at all if I plant them. Maybe a light mist on the top soil? I love these guys so I'm not giving up

I would be sure the cut ends are healed over and dry then plant them in/on slightly damp, porous soil and not water at all until it dries. It may take quite a while to form roots and be able to use water.

Yes, it will likely take weeks to root, but contact with the soil should help that process along. The stem will root at the bottom where it contacts the soil. If you are rooting stem segments, try to get them right side up (the orientation matters) or lay them on the soil. The individual rosettes that are sprouting will not necessarily grow roots at that same location, probably lower on the stem where it contacts the soil.

This dramatic branching is typical after beheading a healthy growing plant.