When is the best time to propagate Christmas cactus by cuttings (tips to increase the survival rate of cuttings)

In fact, the best time for Christmas cactus cutting propagation is from March to May in early spring or from September to October in late autumn. This is the best time to propagate Christmas cactus potted plants. Especially in spring, cuttings are more likely to take root and survive.

Spring cutting propagation is usually carried out after the Christmas cactus has finished blooming . We can combine it with the pruning of the stem nodes. In my experience, the following points should be done for cutting propagation of Christmas cactus potted plants.

How to propagate Christmas cactus seedlings by cuttings

1) Selection of cuttings

It is best to choose relatively strong and thick stem nodes for cuttings. Cut off 1 to 2 nodes, cover them with clean napkins, and place them in a cool and ventilated place to dry for about 2 to 3 days.

It is better to wait until the cut is slightly dry before using it to make cuttings. This can prevent the cuttings from rotting.

Because the newly trimmed stem nodes are easily infected by fungi after being inserted into the soil at the cut end, they will easily rot if they are inserted into the soil immediately.

2) Cutting substrate

The substrate for propagating Christmas cactus by cuttings can be selected from a mixture of sandy loam, perlite, peat soil, garden soil, etc., mixed in a ratio of 2:2:3:3.

This kind of cultivation soil is relatively loose, has good air permeability, is clean and sterile, has smooth drainage and is not prone to water accumulation, and is rich in organic matter, which is beneficial to the later growth of cuttings.

3) Steps of cutting

To ensure the survival of Christmas cactus cuttings, the most important thing is to keep the cutting medium and air moist. If you do a small amount of cuttings at home, you can use flower pots to plant seedlings.

Before cutting, the substrate should be moistened first, but not too wet. Water it 2 days after leaf cutting. As long as the substrate is dry, water it with a fine-mouthed watering can. Don't water it too much. After about 15 to 20 days, the stem nodes will grow tiny roots and extend into the substrate.