The cutting propagation method and time of Christmas cactus (the best cutting period for Christmas cactus)

According to its growth characteristics, the plant will enter a vigorous growth period in spring every year, and cuttings at this time can bring strong regeneration ability . Although climate is very important for cutting propagation, how to operate is equally important.

Cuttings

The nodes of the Christmas cactus plant are very dense, and the regeneration ability of each node is different.

If you choose weak, sick, or leggy stems and leaves as cuttings, there will be a problem of weak regeneration ability, making it difficult to sprout new roots, thereby reducing the survival rate of cutting propagation.

Therefore, if you want to improve the survival rate of Christmas cactus cutting propagation, you must choose thick and strong stem nodes as cuttings, which can bring a higher cutting survival rate.

Which stem node should I choose?

   It is recommended that as long as the stem nodes are thick and juicy, they can be used for cuttings, and it is best to keep each cutting at a length of 2 nodes.

Since Christmas cactus is a succulent plant, the pruned stem sections need to be placed in a cool and ventilated place to dry, and can only be used for cuttings after the wounds have healed.

Cutting soil

Like other succulents, Christmas cactus prefers slightly acidic soil. If you choose alkaline soil for cuttings, stem and leaf rot and water loss will occur, leading to failure of cuttings.

Therefore, if you want to improve the survival rate of Christmas cactus cutting propagation, you must use slightly acidic soil for cutting propagation. This will promote the activity of stem and leaf cells, thereby achieving the purpose of promoting the growth of new roots.

What soil is acidic?

Beginners can use vermiculite cuttings to increase the survival rate of cutting propagation, or a mixed soil of 3 parts leaf mold and 2 parts coarse sand.

How to maintain high survival rate after cutting

Insert the stems and leaves into the soil with the cut side facing downwards, and the depth should not exceed half of the total length. If no maintenance is performed to promote rooting after insertion, the stems and leaves will soon rot, lose water, and other problems.

Therefore, in order to improve the survival rate of Christmas cactus cutting propagation, maintenance and management to promote rooting should be carried out after cutting to avoid stem and leaf rot and water loss.

How to manage?

First, avoid strong sunlight and place in a cool and ventilated place. Secondly, use moist soil for planting. Do not water it for the time being after planting. Increase the humidity by spraying water, and water it again when the soil is dry. Finally, do not fertilize to avoid fertilizer damage and root burn.