When most people think of cacti, they think of the stereotype of a spiny, hot desert plant. However, there is a type of cactus that is native to the tropical rain forests of South America, and that is the Christmas cactus. This plant gets its name from the fact that it typically blooms around the Christmas holidays. If you would like to propigate your own Christmas cactus, here is how to do so.
To propagate Christmas cactus, you will need to take a cutting from the plant. Cut a stem that is about 6 inches long and has at least 2-3 nodes. Remove the bottom leaves from the stem, leaving only the top leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant in a pot with well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting well and place in a bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist and in about 6-8 weeks, you should see new growth.
Is it better to propagate Christmas cactus in soil or water?
For Schlumbergera, the best and fastest method of propagation is directly in the soil. While roots may develop faster in water, you still need to plant them once they develop, and as we’ve already discussed, Christmas cacti are delicate and break easily. The less handling they receive, the better.
Rooting a Christmas cactus in water is a simple and straightforward process that anyone can do. All you need is a cutting from a Christmas cactus, some water, and a jar, vase, or container to place the cutting in.
To root your Christmas cactus cutting, simply place the cutting into the water (cut end downwards) until two nodes are submerged. Then, place the jar, vase, or container in bright, indirect sunlight (indoors or outdoors) and leave the cutting for a few days to develop roots.
Once your cutting has developed roots, you can then transplant it into a pot or container of your choice and enjoy your new Christmas cactus!
How long does it take a Christmas cactus to root from a cutting
If you’re looking to root a Christmas cactus, it can take as long as one month for the process to complete. So be patient and give it at least 3 to 4 weeks. With proper care, your cactus will soon be thriving!
This is done to simulate the shorter days and longer nights of winter, which signals to the cactus that it is time to start its bloom cycle.
Can you put cactus cuttings straight into soil?
You can plant cuttings from them directly into the ground Forget the pot It’s not necessary.
To root your Christmas cactus cuttings in a mixture of coarse sand and perlite or peat, fill a planting pot with the mixture and add your cuttings so that only the bottom tip is in the mixture. Water the mixture well and keep it moist.
Can you break off a piece of cactus and plant it?
Most cacti and succulents can be easily propagated from stem or leaf cuttings. Simply take a cutting from the plant and allow it to dry for a few days. Then, plant the cutting in well-drained soil and water it regularly. The cutting should take root within a few weeks.
This holiday favorite is easy to start from cuttings. Simply remove a piece of stem at the pinched area, technically known as the node. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long. Place the cutting in a jar or glass of water, making sure that the node is submerged. Put the jar in a sunny spot and wait for new growth to appear. Once the cutting has rooted, you can transplant it into a pot or outdoor garden. Enjoy your new plant!
Is it good for a Christmas cactus to be root bound
Holiday cacti do like to be root bound, but eventually, they get too constricted to stay healthy. If your plant perks up and then wilts again within a few days, or if it doesn’t perk up from watering, try repotting it into a new pot with a drainage hole one size bigger with cactus soil.
To care for your Christmas cacti, water every 2 to 3 weeks, but only water when the top one third of soil feels dry to the touch. For example, if the plant is in 6 inches of soil, water when the top 2 inches feel dry.
Can you root a Christmas cactus from a leaf?
If you have a holiday cactus that is shedding leaves, you can try propagating the dropped leaves. The best way to find out if the stem will form roots is simply to try it. Follow the same instructions as if you had intentionally removed the leaf stem (or “clades”) from the plant to regrow it.
The Christmas cactus is a blooming succulent that is easy to care for and has gorgeous flowers. It can live up to 100 years, adding color to your holidays for generations.
What triggers blooming in Christmas cactus
If you want to get these cacti to bloom, you’ll need to give them long dark cool nights. They need between 14-16 hours of uninterrupted darkness and 8 hours of daylight for between 3 – 6 weeks to set flower buds.
Water your plants when the potting soil is dry to the touch. Do not let the soil become waterlogged by letting plants sit in standing water. Prolonged exposure to overly wet soil, especially in the winter months, can lead to root rot.
What month do you not water Christmas cactus?
Water your Christmas cactus deeply, but only when the soil is dry. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can stressing the plant. Reduce watering even further in the fall, from October to the middle of November, when the plant is preparing to enter its dormant state. Provide bright light for your Christmas cactus. It thrives in a sunny spot, but can tolerate some light shade. Keep your plant in a cool room with temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
It is always best to place cactus cuttings in a hole that has been filled with gravel. This will help to stabilize the cutting and encourage root growth. If it is a large cutting, you may also want to use a stake to keep it upright.
Warp Up
To propagate a Christmas cactus, you will need to take a cutting from a healthy plant. Use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to take a 2-3 inch cutting from a stem. Remove any leaves from the cutting, and then dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting, and then place the pot in a warm, bright location. Keep the soil moist, and in 4-6 weeks, roots should form and new growth will appear.
To propagate a Christmas cactus, you will need to take a cutting from a healthy plant and root it in potting soil. Be sure to keep the cutting moist and in a warm spot until new growth appears. With a little patience, you will soon have a beautiful Christmas cactus of your own.
