Cactus Leaf Preparation

Taking Small Leaf Cuttings

• Small leaf cuttings can be either pulled off the donor plant with tweezers or cut off the donor plant with a clean blade. Separate leaves that are crowded together with a widger. If the leaf is taken from a donor plant grown from seed, you should wait until the plant is at least a few months old before taking the cutting to preserve the integrity of the donor plant's root system. Those cacti that grow very slowly should be given approximately one year from the time of germination before taking a cutting.

Taking Large Leaf Cuttings

• Large leaf cuttings should be taken only from those species that grow rapidly, as cuttings from a slow-growing plant may rot before they have the opportunity to grow on their own. There is no minimum or maximum length at which a large leaf should be cut, but keep in mind that a large cutting from a fast-growing plant may have to be repotted soon after planting. Large cuttings should be taken at the end of the cacti's dormant period, which for most species ends in the spring. Cut through the leaf at a slight angle with a clean knife to separate it from the donor plant.

Planting Small Leaf Cuttings

• The most important consideration when handling small cuttings is to avoid touching the cutting's root system as much as possible. This of course applies only if the cutting has a root system. Fill a small pot, between 2 and 3 inches in diameter, with cactus soil. Because cacti roots are subject to rotting, use only cactus soil because it drains quickly. Position the cutting in the soil, and press the surrounding soil into the cutting gently. If you intend to keep the plant outdoors, top-dressing gravel is an excellent way to prevent weeds from growing in the pot. Allow a few days to pass before watering the cutting, and allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.

Planting Large Leaf Cuttings

• Large leaf cuttings can be more challenging than small cuttings because of their matured spikes. If necessary, handle the plant with tongs or sheets of newspaper. Do not rely solely on leather gloves for protection. It is important to allow the cutting to develop a callous across the cut portion before planting. Allow the cutting to sit in a warm dry place until it develops a callous, which usually takes about one week. Select the smallest pot possible that will allow the cutting to stand straight without falling over. Fill the pot about one-third of the way full with cactus soil, then pour top-dressing gravel over the soil just until the soil is covered. The gravel will help the cutting stand on its own. Position the cutting onto the gravel and fill the pot with cactus soil. Press the soil into the cutting gently and add top-dressing gravel. Allow a few days to pass before watering the cutting, and allow the soil to dry completely before watering again.