Although Christmas cacti ( Schlumbergera truncata) are easy to grow, they can be difficult to get to bloom. One easy way to get a head start on the flowering process is to take a cutting from an already blooming plant. With a sharp knife or pruning shears, cut a healthy stem about 6 inches long from the main plant. Allow the cutting to dry for a few hours before placing it in a pot filled with moistened potting soil. The cutting will root in four to eight weeks and can be transplanted to a permanent pot after that. Place the pot in a bright location but out of direct sunlight. Water the potting soil when it feels dry to the touch. With proper care, your Christmas cactus cutting will reward you with beautiful blooms come Christmas time.
To start a Christmas cactus cutting, first find a healthy stem with several leaves. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a leaf node (the point where a leaf is attached to the stem). Next, dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder or gel. Then, insert the stem into a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Be sure to keep the potting mix moist but not soggy. Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location and wait for the cutting to root, which usually takes 4-6 weeks.
Can you root a Christmas cactus in water?
To root your 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.
If you’re thinking about planting a Christmas cactus, you should know that it can take as long as one month for the plant to root. So you’ll need to be patient for at least 3 to 4 weeks.
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 remove a cactus from its pot, start by turning the pot upside down. Next, tap the pot firmly on the ground a few times to loosen the cactus. Finally, gently pull the cactus out of the pot.
Is it better to root Christmas cactus in water or soil?
It is best to propagate Schlumbergera directly in the soil. While roots may develop faster in water, you still need to plant them once they develop. Christmas cacti are delicate and break easily. The less handling they receive, the better.
Christmas cactus can be propagated and rooted in soil or water. We prefer propagating Christmas cactus in water because we just love seeing the roots grow through the clear sides of our containers. Propagating is a great way of sharing this amazing plant with others.
Can you break off a piece of Christmas cactus and plant it?
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.
This will help to induce blooming.
What is the fastest way to root a cactus
If you’re looking to plant a cactus cutting, the best way to do it is to dig a hole and fill the bottom with gravel. Place the cactus cutting in the hole, then completely fill around it and compact it down. If it’s a large cutting, you may also want to use a stake to hold it upright until roots grow and stabilise it.
A cactus is a succulent plant that stores water in its stem and leaves. They are native to desert regions and are adapted to withstand very hot and dry conditions. Cacti come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, from small, circular plants to large, tree-like cacti.
To plant a cactus, first choose a pot that is slightly larger than the cactus itself. Be sure to use a pot with drainage holes to prevent the cactus from sitting in water. Next, fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix. You can create your own mix by mixing together equal parts sand, perlite, and peat moss.
Place the cactus in the pot and gently tamp the soil in around it. Water the cactus thoroughly and then place it in a bright, sunny spot. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Do cactus cuttings need rooting hormone?
Use a sharp knife to cut healthy leaves from the stem. Dip the bases of the leaves into rooting hormone; rooting hormone hastens the rooting process and reduces rot but is not necessary.
It is important to water your plants immediately after planting and again when the soil is completely dry. In winter, this may mean watering just once. Leave the plant somewhere bright, but not in direct sunlight. In summer, cuttings can take in 24 hours; in winter it can take as long as three or four months.
Can you cut off a piece of cactus and plant it
When taking stem cuttings from a cactus, it’s important to allow the cut end to dry and callous over before planting. This will help the cutting to root and start growing as a new plant.
When cutting removed columns or arms into 12-inch-long segments for planting, be sure to put them in the shade for one to two weeks to heal the cuts before planting. After two weeks, plant them in soil amended with compost (not upside down) with about one-third of the 12 inches stuck in the ground.
How long does it take cuttings to root?
3-4 weeks is the general time it takes for a cutting to root, but some plants may take longer. The cutting is ready to be potted up when the roots are 1-2 inches long or longer.
To ensure your Christmas cactus blooms best, slightly potbound your plant. Mine was in a 6″ grow pot and I planted it into an 8″ pot. I’ve seen older Christmas cacti planted in relatively small pots and they’re doing just fine. Just ensure that the pot has at least one drain hole.
Final Words
To start a Christmas cactus cutting, use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem. Cut just below a leaf node, and remove any lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, then plant in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Water well and place in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and in 6-8 weeks your cutting should have rooted and be ready to transplant.
To start a Christmas cactus cutting, you will need a knife, cutting board, and a pot with cactus mix. Cut a 4-6 inch stem from the mother plant at a 45-degree angle. Allow the cutting to callous over for a few days before potting it. Water the cutting well and place it in a shady spot. In about 6-8 weeks, your cutting should have rooted and be ready to transplant.
