If you’re like most people, you probably have a Christmas cactus or two that you’ve been taking care of for years. And while they’re not exactly high-maintenance plants, they do need a little bit of attention from time to time – including the occasional splitting. Here’s a quick guide on how to split your Christmas cactus without damaging the plant or making a mess.
To split a Christmas cactus, carefully remove it from the pot and gently pull the plant apart at the natural divisions in the stem. You can then replant the individual sections in their own pots.
Can you root a piece of Christmas cactus in water?
To root Christmas cactus cuttings in water, fill a glass jar with a two-inch layer of pebbles or small stones, pour in enough water to cover the pebbles, and add your cuttings to the jar so that only the bottom tip is in the water.
The Christmas cactus is a relatively easy plant to propagate. Take cuttings of one to four segments and let them sit in a cool, dry place for two to four days. Plant an inch deep in new soil, preferably a sand/peat mix. Water sparingly until roots or new growth develop, then water as normal.
Should I separate my Christmas cactus
Christmas cacti prefer a tight pot, so select containers just large enough to accommodate the roots with no more than an inch of space between the roots and the side of the pot. Separate the plant carefully to prevent unnecessary root damage.
When dividing plants, it is important to spread the newspapers out carefully to avoid damaging the roots. The plant should then be removed from its pot and the root ball divided into smaller sections, making sure that each section has roots, a stem, and leaves (or shoots). The smaller sections can then be potted in clean, properly-sized pots with good drainage.
Is it better to root Christmas cactus in water or soil?
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.
This is done to simulate the shorter days and longer nights of winter, which signals to the cactus that it is time to start preparing for its winter dormancy period.
How long do Christmas cactus live?
The Christmas cactus is a great plant to have around during the holidays. It is easy to care for and can live up to 100 years. This plant can add color to your holidays for generations.
If you feel your Christmas cactus is overgrown, you can trim off up to two thirds of the plant. Don’t worry about trimming too much off unless you feel it’s absolutely necessary.
Should I remove old blooms from Christmas cactus
If you want to keep your cacti looking its best during and after the Christmas season, deadhead all the spent blooms. This also encourages the plant to continue blooming. Once Christmas is over, you can continue to enjoy your cacti until it finally stops producing flowers.
A Christmas cactus prefers to have its roots crowded, which can be a struggle for plant parents. It is difficult to prevent a Christmas cactus from becoming root bound, as they actually grow best in a crowded pot.
How many times a week should you water a Christmas cactus?
To care for Christmas cacti, water every 2-3 weeks, making sure only to water when the top 1/3 of the soil feels dry to the touch. For example, if the plant is in a pot with 6 inches of soil, water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry.
Water: Christmas Cactus prefer moist soil, but not soggy. After flowering, stop watering for 30 days. Resume watering when you see new growth.
Soil: Potting soil should be well drained.
Can you cut a cactus in half and replant it
Cacti are great plants to propagate by stem cuttings. All you need to do is take a cutting from an existing plant, let it dry and callous, and then it will eventually start rooting from the cut end and start growing as a new plant.
Cactus can be propagated in a number of ways, but it is always best to do so when the plant is actively growing. This typically occurs in late spring or summer for most cacti. When propagating cactus, make sure to use a sharp knife or shears to avoid damaging the plant. Also, be sure to choose a pot that has drainage holes to prevent the plant from becoming waterlogged.
What happens if you cut the top off a cactus?
Salvageable materials include stem, leaves, and pads. Diseased or dead stems and leaves should be removed. Pads will root if laid on top of soil and develop into a new plant. Cut stems and trunks should be allowed to callus at the end for several days and then can be planted to create new cactus.
When potting Christmas Cactus, make sure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one. Christmas Cactus bloom best when slightly potbound. I’ve seen older Christmas Cacti planted in relatively small pots & they’re doing just fine. Make sure the pot has at least 1 drain hole.
Conclusion
There are a few different ways that you can split a Christmas cactus. One way is to carefully twist the stems apart. Another way is to use a sharp knife to cut the stems apart. Whichever method you choose, make sure to replant the cactus in well-draining soil.
One way to split a Christmas cactus is to take a sharp knife and cut the stem in half. You can also use a saw to cut the stem into pieces. Make sure to sterilize the cutting tool before using it on the plant. Another way to split a Christmas cactus is to pull the plant apart at the joint where the stems meet. This is a more gentle method and is less likely to damage the plant. Once you have split the plant, you can pot each piece in its own pot and water it regularly. With a little care, your Christmas cactus will soon be thriving!
