Christmas cactus, also known by its scientific name Schlumbergera, is a popular holiday houseplant known for its colorful blooms that appear around Christmas time. If you want to propagate your Christmas cactus to make new plants, rooting cuttings is an easy process that usually takes 3-6 weeks.
How to Root Christmas Cactus Cuttings
Rooting Christmas cactus cuttings is a simple process that involves taking a cutting, letting it callous over, and then placing it in either water or soil to form roots. Here are the basic steps:
- Take a 4-6 inch cutting from the parent plant, cutting just below a segment joint. Make sure the cutting includes 3-5 segments.
- Allow the cut end to callous over for 1-2 days. Place the cutting in a dry, shady spot during this time.
- Once calloused, place the cutting either in a container of moist potting mix or in a glass/jar of water.
- Place the container in a bright spot out of direct sunlight and keep the soil/water moist.
- Roots will begin forming in 3-6 weeks. Look for new growth as an indication of rooting.
- Once rooted, transplant into a pot with drainage holes using potting mix specific for cacti and succulents.
Rooting in Water vs. Soil
Christmas cactus cuttings can be rooted either in water or in a potting mix. Here is a comparison:
| Water | Soil |
|---|---|
|
|
Rooting in water often speeds up the process, but transitioning the cutting to soil after can be tricky. Rooting directly in soil skips the transition step. Either method will work! Choose the option that fits best with your preferences.
Ideal Rooting Conditions
Creating the right environment will help promote healthy root growth on Christmas cactus cuttings. Here are some tips:
- Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
- Light: Bright, indirect light
- Moisture: Keep soil/water moderately moist, not soggy
- Humidity: 40-50% humidity
- Air Circulation: Some air movement speeds root growth
Avoid direct hot sunlight, cold drafts, and wet/soggy soil, as these can cause cuttings to rot before roots form. Providing warm, humid conditions encourages rooting.
How to Tell When Rooting is Complete
It can be tricky to determine exactly when Christmas cactus cuttings have rooted, especially when rooting in soil. Here are signs that indicate successful rooting:
- New growth: Look for new segments, leaves, or flowers. This is a sure sign roots have formed to support new growth.
- Resistance when tugged: Gently tug on the cutting. Resistance indicates anchored roots.
- Visible roots: If rooting in water, look for white roots emerging from the cutting’s end.
- Time: Wait 3-6 weeks. If the cutting remains firm and does not rot, roots have likely developed.
Be patient and do not rush the rooting process. Prematurely transplanting the cutting before adequate roots have formed increases the risk of failure. When in doubt, wait 1-2 more weeks to be sure.
How to Care for Rooted Cuttings
Once Christmas cactus cuttings have rooted, follow these care tips to ensure the new plants thrive:
- Transplant into Potting Mix: Use a well-draining cacti/succulent mix and pot with drainage holes. Water thoroughly after repotting.
- Provide Bright, Indirect Light: Southern or eastern window is ideal. Avoid direct sunlight.
- Water when Soil is Dry: Wait for the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering. Take care not to overwater.
- Fertilize Occasionally: Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at 1/2 strength during the growing season.
- Monitor for Pests: Check regularly for common pests like mealybugs and spider mites.
- Maintain Proper Humidity: 40-50% humidity is ideal. Increase humidity by misting or using a pebble tray.
With the right care, rooted Christmas cactus cuttings will establish quickly and grow into mature, blooming plants in no time!
Common Problems When Rooting Christmas Cactus
Issues that sometimes occur when trying to root Christmas cactus cuttings include:
Rotting
If the cutting rots and turns mushy before roots form, this is usually caused by excessive moisture. Allow the cutting to fully callous over before placing in water or soil, use well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering.
No Root Growth
Lack of new roots can be caused by using too large of a cutting, cold temperatures, or dry soil/water. Use a smaller cutting, provide warmth, and maintain even moisture to encourage rooting.
Drooping
If the cutting becomes limp and droopy, it is not getting enough water. Boost moisture levels and cuttings should perk back up once roots establish.
Leggy Growth
If new growth becomes leggy and sparse, the plant is not getting enough sunlight. Move to a brighter location out of direct sun.
Tips for Faster Rooting
To speed up the Christmas cactus rooting process, try these tips:
- Take cuttings in spring or summer when plants are actively growing.
- Use a rooting hormone like honey or willow water to stimulate roots.
- Provide bottom heat from heating pads or seedling heat mats.
- Keep cuttings in a humid environment under a plastic dome or bag.
- Use a porous soil mix made for cacti and succulents.
- Change the water frequently if rooting in water.
- Keep soil moist but not saturated.
How Long Does it Take to Bloom Rooted Cuttings?
Most Christmas cactus cuttings will begin blooming within 1-2 years after rooting. However, some factors affect how quickly the plant reaches maturity and starts flowering, including:
- Age of Mother Plant: Cuttings from older, mature plants may flower sooner than those from younger plants.
- Time of Year Taken: Cuttings taken during peak flowering time root the quickest.
- Care Provided: Optimal care speeds growth and maturity.
- Blooming Variety: Some Schlumbergera cultivars are bred for prolific flowering.
With ideal conditions, Christmas cactus cuttings generally start flowering around 12-18 months after rooting. But have patience, as some can take up to 2 years to build enough strength to bloom.
Conclusion
Rooting Schlumbergera or Christmas cactus cuttings is a simple process that takes about 1-2 months on average, though timelines can vary. Providing warm, humid conditions, proper soil moisture, and filtered sunlight will yield the best results. Monitor for new growth, resistance when tugged, and visible root emergence as signs that rooting was successful. Rooted cuttings will develop into mature, blooming plants with proper care over the next 1-2 years.