Named after their blooming time in the Northern Hemisphere, the Christmas cactus plant (Schlumbergera bridgessii) is beautiful and easy to care for in the right conditions. A simple pruning process can help it grow into a bushy, leafy plant or reduce its size to a smaller size. With proper preparation and pruning techniques, you can maximize the potential of your existing Christmas cactus plant.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Cutting Christmas Cactus Stems
Step 1. Cut 1-2 segments from the plant if you want the Christmas cactus to grow thicker
If you're pruning the plant to make it grow thicker, don't trim the ends too much. However, if you want to reduce the size, prune to a maximum of of the total plant.
Step 2. Cut it longer if you want to grow it
To propagate new plants by cuttings, cut the stem of the cactus in a Y shape from the parent. Cutting stems should consist of 3-4 segments. These cuttings can be replanted to produce as many new seedlings as you want.
Step 3. Wait for the Christmas cactus to flower before pruning
After flowering, the cactus will enter a period of growth and grow new leaves. This is the best time to prune it because later the cactus will branch off and have more stems.
If you can't prune them by this time, there's still time until late spring
Step 4. Twist the stems of the Christmas cactus on the books (the gaps between each segment)
Each segment is rectangular with "joints" at the ends. The stem of the cactus can be easily broken at this point because the nodes are the weakest part of the plant. Break it quickly so the plant is not damaged.
- If it doesn't break easily, use your thumb nail to separate the stem at the knuckle.
- If you feel that twisting it by hand is too rough for the plant, simply cut it with shears at the same point.
Step 5. Gather the longer stems
Pieces longer than two segments can be replanted into new seedlings. This process is called propagation. Discard cactus pieces that are too short.
Part 2 of 2: Growing Christmas Cactus Roots
Step 1. Dry the cuttings for 2 days
Drying will help the cut stems to recover a little while avoiding rot that occurs due to the residual liquid in the plant. Stem cuttings can be allowed to dry up to a maximum of 4 days.
Step 2. Prepare a smaller pot using well-drained ready-to-plant soil
A mixture of moist peat moss and sandy soil will provide sufficient nutrients for growing plants. This mixture will also facilitate smooth soil drainage, which is very important for cactus growth. You can also line the bottom of the pot with pumice stone for additional drainage.
Step 3. Drive each segment into the ground
Make sure the stems are planted 2.5 cm deep so they can absorb enough moisture and nutrients. If necessary, at this stage you can plant several stems in one pot.
Step 4. Place the pot in a cool place with indirect sunlight
Although Christmas cactus can adapt to low light conditions, this one plant will grow rapidly in bright places and in indirect sunlight. Avoid exposure to direct light because it can burn the cactus leaves easily.
Water the cactus cuttings lightly to prevent rot
Step 5. Transfer the Christmas cactus to a larger pot
After 2-3 weeks, the cactus cuttings will grow new shoots at the ends. The color of the shoots is usually red and this is a sign that the cactus can now be transplanted into a larger pot. Fill the new pot with loose, ready-to-plant soil mixture. Alternatively, you can use the same soil as the parent plant pot.
- Don't worry if the cactus looks wilted at first. This is normal and will recover once the plant gets used to its new place.
- At this point, the cactus can be given more indirect sunlight.
Step 6. Water the Christmas cactus regularly
Once the new roots and shoots have grown, cactus cuttings can retain water just like an adult plant. Keep the soil moist and treat the plant in the same way as a mature cactus.
Check the soil for watering needs. If the top layer of soil is dry to the touch, it's time to water the plant
Step 7. Transfer the cactus to a new pot every 3-4 years
Christmas cactus plants love to live in cramped pots. So, no need to move it too often. Transfers should be made after the cactus blooms in late winter or early spring.
Tips
- Christmas cactus cuttings make great gifts for your friends so they can grow their own.
- Christmas cactus will grow well at 18 - 24 °C and need about 50-60% humidity in the air. So, make sure the conditions in your home meet these requirements.
