I'm about to do the same thing to a big ruffled one too. You suggest cutting higher up and leaving a few leaves on the stalk? Also, what kind of knife would you use? Treat the cut ends with anything?

I think this is where the picture is from.. Debra Baldwin featuring Marylyn Henderson

I don't usually use a knife; usually garden shears because it's too difficult to saw through the stem and control what happens to the head once cut. Yes, cut in between the bottom leaves. Callous the head and place on top of your mix in a shaded warm location. Some people will use cinnamon powder on the cut, but this isn't necessary. If you've calloused the end well and don't over water, you shouldn't have a problem with rot. Roots will grow out from the bottom. Once you have nice root development, you can plant deeper.

Nicholas: Thanks for the reference. I thought this was westes plant!

Anytime Howard. I have one question though. Even with bypass shears, on something with a stem this thick, do you ever get some crushing rather than cutting? Not that it would matter much but less trauma may be better. For example I think anvil shears would be a bad idea. :)

No, Nicholas. The pictured shears cut through Echeveria stems like a hot knife through butter; clean as a whistle! Sometimes it's a bit tricky getting the blades in between the leaves. Sharp blades are key. I don't use the pictured shears on anything else but my plants. Anvil shears might cause more compression damage and this might become an issue.

bikerdoc, that iis from a Debra Baldwin article. My plant is almost identical to hers.

Love to see a pic of yours. Are you planning to behead it? Would love an offset in trade.

bikerdoc, at this point I am planning a planter and will transplant three plants similar to the one in that photo, with the bases intact. In maybe six months once the planter has grown out a bit and gotten designed correctly then I will think about pruning / regenerating.