Expert: Greg Simpson - 1/12/2003

Question
Greg, How do I take a cutting from a Christmas Cactus?  There is a beautiful plant where I work and I would like to take a cutting and have my own plant but can't figure out how to do it.  I'm not a gardener so any instruction needs to be simple and basic.  Thanks, Larry

Answer
Dear Larry,

Unfortunately you picked a tough cactus to propagate. But it can be done. The first thing you will need to do is break off a piece of the plant, preferably about 4 to 5 inches long. Get some fast draining soil (Cactus Mix) from your local nursery. After the “cutting has dried for at least a week, dampen the soil. Put the cutting in the soil to a depth of at least ¾'s of an inch. By the way, use a small pot, about 4” in diameter.

Put the whole thing inside of a clear plastic bag (or sit a large freezer bag) over the top of the plant and place it in strong but not direct light. Don't water again until the soil is dry. Repeat until you start to see new growth, which if it happens will take a couple of months. Be patient, don't ever water and don't fertilize it (at least until it is growing vigorously). Good luck!

Sincerely,

Greg