Learn how to propagate a Christmas cactus in soil or water with these simple step-by-step instructions.
Propagating your Christmas cactus (Schlumbergeraspp.)
is almost as easy as caring for theselow-maintenance houseplantsthat bloom in the winter.
Credit:Better Homes & Garden
Like many other houseplants, Christmas cacti can be propagated using both soil and waterpropagation methods.
Either way, thesefestive holiday plantsroot fairly easily from cuttings.
Whatever key in of Christmas cactus you have, they’re easy to propagate and have similar care needs.
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Add some clean gravel or small stones to the propagation jars to keep the cuttings upright if needed.
Step 3:Be patient.
Christmas cactus cuttings take 6 to 8 weeks to develop roots.
During this time, check the cuttings often and refresh the water when it runs low or becomes cloudy.
Step 4:After several weeks, the cuttings should develop small, thread-like, white roots.
Gently firm the soil around the cuttings to keep them upright and water them in.
Move your new Christmas cactus plants into bright, indirect light, and care for them as usual.
Step 1:Take several healthy stem cuttings from established Christmas cactus plants.
Step 3:Plant the cuttings inpots with plenty of drainage holes.
Cuttings can also be rooted inperlite or coarse sandand then repotted into individual pots once theyve developed roots.
This approach can be more cost-effective than rooting cuttings in a succulent potting mix.
Christmas cactus cuttings take about 6 to 8 weeks to root in soil.
Plant cuttings about 1 inch deep and water them well to help the plants settle into their new pots.
Although Christmas cacti hate to be overwatered in soil, they’ll happily propagate in a glass of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are equally effective, so it’s a matter of personal preference.
Rooting cuttings in water involves less care at the onset, but then requires transplanting cuttings to soil.
If you notice any cuttings shriveling, pull them out and compost them since they arent rooting correctly.
These types of epyphytic cacti are closely related to Christmas cactus and can be propagated using the same methods.
Note, however, thatthe propagation method is slightly differentfor desert cacti and other succulents.
