Can You Root a Christmas Cactus?

Cutting

• Take stem cuttings from your Christmas cactus in May or June. The stem is made up of a series of flattened segments joined end to end. Cut off a portion of stem with at least two segments at the point where they join together. More than two segments starts you off with a larger plant, but the tiny roots formed by a new cutting can’t support more than five segments. Set the cutting aside for a day or two to allow the cut end to heal over.

Potting Up

• Good rooting mediums for Christmas cactus include sand, perlite or vermiculite. Fill a small pot with one of these mediums and add enough water so that the medium is thoroughly moist but not soggy. Press the cutting into the soil to a depth of about an inch, cut side down. Firm up the medium around the base of the cutting to keep it upright.

Humidity and Light

• The cutting needs a humid environment to avoid drying out before roots form. Increase the humidity around the plant by placing it inside a plastic bag with the top securely closed. Don’t allow the sides of the bag to touch the cutting. If necessary, you can insert clean soda straws in the pot to hold the bag away from the plant. The cutting needs bright light, but when direct sunlight shines on the bag the interior overheats. The best location is a brightly lit area, away from direct sunlight.

Care

• Keep the rooting medium moist. If moisture collects on the inside surface of the bag, remove it and replace it with a dry bag. The cutting should root in a month or so. When the roots are about an inch long, repot the plant in a mixture of two-thirds good quality potting soil and one-third sand or a potting soil designed for cacti. The sand helps the soil drain quickly and lessens the chances of overwatering. A good potting soil contains enough nutrients to support the plant for a few months, and you won't need additional fertilizer until buds begin to form.