Can Christmas cactus be propagated by cuttings in summer?

1. Can cuttings be taken in summer?

It can be propagated by cuttings in summer. However, since its most suitable time for cuttings is in autumn, it will be a little difficult to do so at this time, as summer is its dormant period, which will affect the rooting rate during cuttings. However, as long as it is carefully maintained, cuttings can still be successful.

2. How to take cuttings

1. Soil

First, you need to prepare the soil. You can use a looser soil and disinfect it with diluted carbendazim to prevent bacterial infection in the later stage.

2. Choose cuttings

When preparing branches for cuttings, tender buds are usually selected and the tops of the branches are cut off to a length of about 4 to 5 cm.

3. Cuttings

Insert the prepared cuttings into the soil, then compact it with your hands, then water it, and make sure it is watered thoroughly at once.

4. Keep your skin moisturized

In order to increase its survival rate, it needs to be moisturized. Because water evaporates quickly in summer, we can cover it with a plastic bag and then poke a few small holes on it to facilitate ventilation. Then you can place it in a place with scattered light for maintenance. Be careful not to use strong light, otherwise it will burn the seedlings.

5. Maintenance after cutting

After the cuttings grow small buds, you can place them in a place with plenty of light. However, because the light is too strong in summer, we only need to move them out to bask in the sun in the morning or evening, and then after a month, we can put them in pots.