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I had a Parodia mammulosa that was growing well, about six inches tall but wider at the top than the bottom of the stem. I decided to take a risk and top cut it to see if I could create a more aesthetic specimen. I took a three inch top cut, three inches in diameter using a sterile blade, and then slightly beveled the cutting. I let it dry and callus for a week. I then set the callused cutting on top of a fresh pot of soil mix, and placed it in bright indirect light. Absolutely no water. After four weeks I lifted the cutting to check for roots. Callus looked good, white, no black mildew, no roots, replaced the cutting. After six weeks I lifted the cutting, callus looked good, white, no black mildew, no roots. After eight weeks I lifted the cutting, callus still looked good, white, no black mildew, no roots. It has been eight weeks today, and I am beginning to worry. The cutting appears to me as it did when I cut it, not shrunk or desiccated. Advice? Suggestions?

Have patience, sometimes it can take a long time.

I had Pterocactus cuttings which took 5 months to root. As long as your cutting is not shrinking, you're good.

A few weeks is nothing. Growing succulents is about patience. Waiting for a succulent to root is just one reason of multiple reasons regarding patience. They are slow plants compared to other plants.

Aiko wrote: ↑Thu Jul 20, 2023 9:06 pm A few weeks is nothing. Growing succulents is about patience. Waiting for a succulent to root is just one reason of multiple reasons regarding patience. They are slow plants compared to other plants.

Not to mention the fact that one reason a succulent plant, exists, is because most of them appear to be "pre-programmed" to not waste precious internal resources, on too little rain or dew.

Update. 10 weeks, still no roots.

But it still looks great. Keep on waiting.

I've rooted cuttings where I didn't even use any kind of potting mixture. I kept the cutting on a rack in an upright position in a bright place. I could pick up the cutting at will and look at the underside. As soon as I saw the littlest nubbins of roots coming out of the central ring of the callous, I potted the plant in a pot. That way your curiosity, trepidation, impatience, etc.... can be satisfied!!!

Thanks Jerry. I don't mind picking it up, though I have to mind the spines. I'm disciplining myself to checking at two week intervals. I'll keep you posted. Remember, I had an excellent outcome with my M. microhelia. Nine weeks to start roots.

Good news update. Today is 12 weeks since I made the topcut, and this morning I observed about a half dozen eighth inch(3mm) roots coming from what I believe is called the vascular cambium (the distinctive circle in the center of the stem). I celebrated by gifting the plant a small amount of water, the first since the surgery.

loyall wrote: ↑Sat Aug 12, 2023 1:43 pm Good news update. Today is 12 weeks since I made the topcut, and this morning I observed about a half dozen eighth inch(3mm) roots coming from what I believe is called the vascular cambium (the distinctive circle in the center of the stem). I celebrated by gifting the plant a small amount of water, the first since the surgery.

Great news! Patience paid off.

Great!