The Christmas cactus is a popular plant that blooms beautifully in the winter season. Propagating this plant is a wonderful way to expand your plant. The Christmas cactus is different from the common cactus because it is a plant of moist rainforests. It is known for its colorful flowers, which are pink, red, white and sometimes yellow. Christmas cactus propagation is usually done through cuttings, as this is an easy and effective way to ensure that the new plant maintains the characteristics of its parent plant.
Why propagate in soil?
Christmas cactus can be grown in water or soil, but propagation in soil is preferred because it allows the roots to grow directly into the soil, which allows the plant to grow more easily in the soil. Also, it does not die if planted in soil, so it is planted in more soil
Choosing the Right Time to Propagate
Choosing the right time to propagate a Christmas cactus is important, so the best time to propagate a Christmas cactus is when it has finished flowering, which is usually after winter or in early spring. The plant is in a natural growth phase at this time, making it easier for the cuttings to develop roots. But you can propagate it throughout the growing season if necessary.
Tools and Materials Required
Gather the following materials before you begin propagating:
- Sharp knife
- Potting mix suitable for Christmas cactus
- Small pots
- Plastic bags
- Gloves
Taking cuttings from Christmas cactus
The most important thing to propagate Christmas cactus is to take cuttings from a healthy plant that does not show any signs of disease or pests. Follow the steps below:
- Select the segment: Choose a part of the plant that has segments of two to three leaves. Choose healthy and thick segments that are not dry or damaged.
- Make a clean cut: Make a clean cut at the joint of two segments on the selected segment with clean scissors or a knife. A clean cut reduces damage and reduces the risk of disease entry.
- Allow the cuttings to callus: Leave the cuttings in a dry, shady place for 24-48 hours to form a callus on the cut end. This reduces the risk of rotting when planted in soil.
Soil Preparation and Pot Selection
Preparing the soil is an important step as Christmas cactus requires a soil that absorbs moisture well but does not hold too much water. You can buy succulent mix available in the market or make it yourself. To make it at home, mix 2 parts potting soil, 1 part perlite or pumice and 1 part peat moss or cocopeat, this will be the perfect mixture for it.
Use small pots with drainage holes to plant the cuttings. A 2-3 inch pot is ideal for one or two cuttings. Christmas cactus roots do not grow very deep, so a shallow pot is a good option.
Planting the cuttings in the soil
While planting the cuttings in the soil, there are many things to keep in mind, because if the cuttings are not planted properly in the soil, then the cuttings can also get damaged, To plant the Christmas cactus in the soil, first moisten the soil lightly so that it does not feel wet but remains slightly moist. Gently press the cut end of each section about half an inch into the soil. Many cuttings can also be planted in a pot so that the plant looks more dense.
Lightly press the soil around the base of the cuttings so that it remains stable, place a plastic bag over the pot to maintain humidity, making sure that it does not touch the cuttings. Make a few holes in it or use a propagation dome. This is optional but it can accelerate the development of roots.
Care of cuttings
Keep the cutting in a place where there is no strong sunlight. Medium sunlight or shady place is suitable for this.
Wet the cutting lightly from time to time, but do not let the soil become too wet. When the soil looks dry from the top, then only add water.
Take the cutting and see if there is a lot of force in the cutting, then the jade has started coming out in the cutting.
In about 4-6 weeks, the roots start coming out of the cutting, when the jade starts forming, you will see that leaves will start coming out in the cutting. In this way, when the leaves come out in the cutting, then it can now be planted at another place.
When you are going to transplant the plant to a new place, prepare the soil in advance, this soil should contain all the necessary nutrients and the soil should have a means of good drainage.
Transplanting the cuttings after root formation
When you see that the roots have started coming out, the cutting can be transplanted to a larger pot.
Prepare the pot: Choose a pot slightly larger than the previously used pot and this pot should have drainage holes.
Add potting mix: Add the same potting mix that you used before.
Replant: Carefully lift the new roots and plant them in a larger pot, pressing well with new soil.
Water: Water well after transplanting to allow excess water to drain out.
Conclusion
Growing Christmas cactus in soil is not only a simple and satisfying experience, but it also gives you the opportunity to add a beautiful, vibrant plant to your home. With the right care and a little patience, you can grow new plants that will bloom beautifully next season.
READ NEXT: Easy Steps to Growing a Mulberry Tree from Cuttings: A Complete Guide for Beginners
Hi! I’m Thayer Cruz, the creator of MysteriousGardening. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and Landscape Architecture from Purdue University, United States. My passion for plants and gardening grew during my studies, where I learned about everything from soil science to plant care.
Through MysteriousGardening, I share practical gardening tips, creative ideas, and insights from both my education and personal experience. Whether you’re growing your first plant or managing a full garden, I’m here to help make gardening fun and rewarding. Let’s grow something amazing together!