How to Grow a Cactus From Its Leaf

Most varieties of cacti respond well to vegetable propagation. In fact, if you break off part of the parent cactus and push it into potting compost, a new plant will grow within a few weeks. However, problems with rot may occur. Ensure success with your cactus through careful measures, especially if you don't have a large parent plant to experiment with.

Gardening gloves
Knife
Garden sulfur
Potting compost
Sand
Plant pot

Instructions

- 1
  Put on gardening or work gloves, especially if the cactus is very spiny.
- 2
  Cut a section off the parent cactus. The longer this section is, the better. Try to take a cutting at least 3 inches long, and cut where you see a natural joint.
- 3
  Dip the end of the cutting in garden sulfur to help prevent rot. This is a natural substance suitable for organic gardeners.
- 4
  Leave the cutting to dry for up to two weeks in a warm, dry place. When the cut end hardens, the cutting is ready to plant.
- 5
  Fill a plant pot with a mixture of 50 percent potting compost and 50 percent sand. Press lightly down to firm. Don't water this mixture; it should be relatively dry.
- 6
  Push the cutting a couple of inches into the compost, and place the pot somewhere warm, such as on a windowsill.
- 7
  Dampen the soil after four to seven days. Thereafter, water when the soil dries out nearly completely.

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