To cut or not to cut, that is the question...

11 years ago

I have this Graptosomething (I used to know the name of it) that started off in a tiny little plastic pot, and has since managed to grow (somewhat) into another pot. Here's a pic:

You can see a larger Aeonium and a smaller one, plus two pale blue-ish Graptos in the back; the Grapto in question is the darker, greener one (the one with the long stem from the little pot up to the bigger container). Looking closer, you can see that the stem has put out some aerial roots.

You'll also see that the stem, from small pot to larger pot, is healthy - no rot, no drying, no pinching off.
{{gwi:472460}}

And, to my delight, it's even laid down what looks like a hearty support root:
{{gwi:472462}}

Here's the leaf cluster:
{{gwi:472464}}

I'd really like to cut the stem so that the whole of the plant is in the larger container only; but I worry that the stem hasn't put down enough roots to support the plant without the original root system. I tend to lose my Crassulaceae, and I'd reallyreallyreally like to keep this one healthy. Do y'all think it'd be ok to cut it now? Or should I let it be for now, until it puts down more of those supporting roots?

*CG*

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Comments (5)

Microthrix
11 years ago
i wouldnt cut it now, but in spring. by then it should have a decent root system in. the part with the original roots will send out little pups and everything will be fine and dandy.
User
11 years ago
I'd cut it back (& I see you're in CA, so there's plenty of heat for it to root) that long gangly stem is not doing any good for the plant & will never leaf out so why keep it?

If kept DRY while rooting once you cut it, it'll put down roots quickly. Pls. be reminded that in succulents, the plant is getting moisture from the fat, fleshy leaves (not the roots), so it's not as important (as non-succulents) that it won't have its own roots when you first cut it.

Pls. remember NOT to water it in when you replant it after (& if) you cut it.
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User
11 years ago
PS if you DO cut it, try cutting it about 2" below the rosette, no more.
chaparralgirl
Original Author
11 years ago
Hmm. Two great suggestions. Excellent point, PirateGirl, about getting moisture from the leaves. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't cutting the plant off from anything prematurely.

As to the original root/stem structure not putting anything new out, I do wonder if it will, in fact. The pale blue-ish Graptos growing behind the one in question are "new" growth from a root/stem structure that I had managed to knock the original stems off of (clumsy me). I didn't really think it would survive, but I left it alone, and lo and behold it began to sprout new growth. It's been over a year now, and you can see how well its done.

But that was that plant; maybe this one won't...? I suppose we'll see.

I think I'll do as PirateGirl says, but in the Spring, like Micro suggests. And NO WATERING after it's been cut. Got it.

*CG*
greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
11 years ago
Cut it.

What will you do with the Aeonium below the new roots? Will you move one or the other?

If you intend to leave the plant as positioned, I would add some more of that lava rock
to support the rosette and cover the new roots, then I'd cut in a week or two.

I would leave a short trunk stub on the original as Pirate suggests, and I think it'll make
a bunch of rosettes from the stem.

During the Winter, growth tends to be longer and less compact, which is the main reason
to wait on pruning. New growth is brighter, fuller, chubbier, more compact during the prime
growing season. But it's up to you :-)

Josh

To cut or not to cut, that is the question...

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Microthrix

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To cut or not to cut, that is the question...

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Microthrix

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chaparralgirlOriginal Author

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