How to propagate Christmas cactus

Cutting propagation

The simplest method of reproduction

First, you need to have a pot of a healthy and mature Christmas cactus. Select its thick and strong stem nodes, cut off 1 to 2 nodes and place them in a cool place to dry naturally for 2 to 3 days.

Prepare sandy soil. You can mix peat and sand in a ratio of 4:1 and add a little water to ensure that the soil is moist.

Insert the dry cut stem nodes into sandy soil and control the temperature at 15~20℃. It will start to take root after 2~3 days and can be transplanted into pots after 4 weeks!

Grafting

Grafting is usually carried out in May-June or September-October, and rootstock is selected for scion. Select a strong stem node of the current year under the scion, cut its lower end into a duckbill shape, and use a cactus or toothpick to insert it into the wedge of the rootstock to fix it. Generally speaking, one rootstock can be grafted with three scions. After grafting, place it in a semi-shaded place and maintain a high humidity. If the scion is still fresh and firm after 10 days, it means the cutting has survived.

Seed propagation

Christmas cactus seeds require higher temperatures to germinate and are usually sown in pots indoors.

Mix the soil in the same way as for cuttings above.

Just sow the seeds directly as shown in the picture 3~5 cm.

After sowing, keep the indoor temperature between 22~24℃ to facilitate seed germination. Cover the mouth of the pot with a thin glass to increase the humidity in the pot. It will germinate in 5 to 9 days. The growth period of seedlings is longer, so more care is needed.