How to Grow a Cactus From Clippings

Plants in the cactus family produce fleshy leaves or stems that can store water during extended dry periods. Many of the plants also have sharp spikes that protect them from grazing animals. One of the quickest ways to grow a new cactus plant is from a clipping taken from an existing plant. Cacti with fleshy leaflets, such as the Christmas cactus, are grown from leaf clippings. Globe cacti produce small plantlets near their base that can be clipped and planted to grow into new cacti.

Knife
Rooting hormone or sulfur dust
Paper
Pot
Peat
Perlite

Instructions

- 1
  Cut off a stem or leaf segment from the cactus with a sharp knife, making the cut at a 45-degree angle. Alternately, cut off a plantlet from applicable cacti varieties, making the cut flush with the parent plant.
- 2
  Dip the cut end of the clipping in a rooting hormone or with sulfur dust. Lay it on a sheet of paper in a well-ventilated room so the cut end dries over, which can take three or more days depending on the size of the cut area.
- 3
  Combine equal parts perlite and peat together. Place the mix in a pot that has at least one bottom drainage hole, then water the mix until it's evenly moist but not soggy.
- 4
  Push the cut end of the clipping into the potting mix deep enough so the clipping stands up on its own. Firm the soil around the base of the clipping to ensure it doesn't fall over.
- 5
  Place the pot in a warm, brightly lit area. Water when the top 2 inches of potting mix begins to feel dry. Cuttings root within four to six weeks.

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