Cascading payload replication to target compute nodes is disclosed. Cascading payload replication can be accomplished using a two-stage operation for a replication operation. In the first stage, a plan is generated and distributed for the replication operation. The plan includes an assignment of compute nodes to tree nodes in a tree hierarchy. In the second phase, the payload is distributed according to the plan. The plan is different for at least two replication operations. Thus, the cascading payload replication is adaptable to changing target compute nodes and provides for load balancing.