How to Propagate Schlumbergera x buckleyi? Detailed Guide to Cutting Propagation

Schlumbergera x buckleyi is not a cactus, mind you. It is a very popular succulent plant nowadays, though it belongs to the Cactaceae family, so don't mix them up. Most succulents are propagated by cuttings, sowing, and other methods, so is Schlumbergera x buckleyi the same? In fact, Schlumbergera x buckleyi is mainly propagated by grafting and cuttings. Let's take a look.

How to Propagate Schlumbergera x buckleyi

1. Grafting Propagation

Generally, Hylocereus undatus, Opuntia, or Echinopsis is used as the rootstock. The scion should be a short, robust stem segment, and spring or autumn is the best time for grafting. First remove the spines from the top of the rootstock, make a vertical cut about 2 cm deep in the rootstock, select a suitable leaf-like stem, quickly cut the lowest segment into a wedge shape, and while the surface mucus is still wet, insert it into the cut and secure it. After grafting, place it in a cool, dry place. Generally no watering is needed in the first week; afterward, resume normal care. It can bloom in the same year. The above is an introduction to the propagation methods of Schlumbergera x buckleyi.

2. Cutting Propagation

For cuttings, choose leaf-like stems that are neither old nor tender and are vigorous in growth. Generally, cut 2 to 4 segments and place them in a cool place to dry for a few days. After the cut surface is dry and slightly dehydrated, insert them into plain sand or vermiculite. Do not water immediately after inserting; keep watering slightly restricted and maintain a temperature of 20 to 25°C. After rooting, gradually increase the amount of watering. Cutting-propagated plants are generally planted and cultivated in the same year and can bloom the following year.

Cutting Propagation Method for Schlumbergera x buckleyi

1. Timing of Cutting Propagation

For cuttings of Schlumbergera x buckleyi, the best time is during the growing season, with April to May being optimal after the flowers fade.

2. Soil for Cutting Propagation

For home cuttings, you can buy a prepared cutting medium, or use medium-coarse river sand, but rinse it several times with clean water before use. Do not use sea sand or river sand from saline-alkali areas; they are not suitable for the growth of flowering plants.

3. Water and Fertilizer for Cutting Propagation

After cutting, place in a cool place before rooting and water sparingly; roots will form in about 20 days. After flower buds form, the potting soil should not be too dry or too wet, to avoid bud drop. During the growing season, apply a dilute organic liquid fertilizer once every 2 to 3 weeks to Schlumbergera x buckleyi, or apply a small amount of compound chemical fertilizer.

4. Specific Method of Cutting Propagation

Take 1 to 4 stem segments, or a large branch with side branches, for cutting. During cutting, keep the wound away from water, and let it dry for two or three days in a place without direct sunlight so the wound heals.

After the wound dries, insert it into the medium, and lightly spray the cutting and medium with water. As long as the medium is not excessively dry or waterlogged, roots and new shoots will quickly grow.

What to Do If Schlumbergera x buckleyi Grows Too Long (Causes and Solutions)

1. Insufficient Light: Although plants love to grow in warm, humid places, you still can't keep it out of the light for a long time.

Solution: If it is due to insufficient light, just let it get more light. Except during the hottest part of summer, it can be taken out to sunbathe at other times, and even staying outdoors all day does no harm. If you provide enough light, you may find that it stops growing longer and instead looks more robust.

2. Insufficient Nutrients: The plant can only grow longer, not thicker.

Solution: If it is due to insufficient nutrients, you can change the soil and choose a more fertile potting soil with better drainage. If the soil choice doesn't satisfy you, don't worry too much; it can still be compensated for by later fertilization. This plant quite likes fertilizer. During the growing period, apply fertilizer once a week, and in autumn and winter, to improve flower quality, you can also add an appropriate amount of (KH2PO4) solution. Of course, it is not needed in midsummer.

Too Much Water: Excessive water during the dormant period easily makes Schlumbergera x buckleyi grow longer.

Solution: Water scientifically. Although we say this plant likes moisture, it is not that the more you water, the better. So, watering more during rapid growth is fine, but you must not overwater during dormancy.

How to Extend the Blooming Period of Schlumbergera x buckleyi

1. Light Regulation

For a short-day flower like Schlumbergera x buckleyi, we can place it in a shady spot and reduce sunlight exposure to delay its blooming time. Generally, when sunlight is abundant, you can also cover Schlumbergera x buckleyi with something like black cloth. In short, with human help, keep its daylight exposure to no more than 10 hours, so as to delay the blooming period.

If you want to extend its blooming time, then give it plenty of sun, at least 10 hours, and remember to use lights to supplement light when there is no sunlight.

2. Temperature Regulation

The blooming period of Schlumbergera x buckleyi can be regulated to a certain extent in a greenhouse or cold storage. The most suitable temperature for the growth and blooming of Schlumbergera x buckleyi is around 20°C. We can appropriately lower the temperature to inhibit its growth and delay its blooming period, thereby achieving the goal of blooming on New Year's Day.

3. Chemical Regulation

Appropriate use of some chemical regulators can also adjust the blooming period of Schlumbergera x buckleyi. You can buy these chemicals and use them to regulate the plant's blooming period more precisely; it is a good choice.

Schlumbergera x buckleyi is a relatively easy plant to keep alive. You can grow a few pots at home. It has a large number of segments, so choosing the cutting method is a good option. You just need to control water and fertilizer well during the cutting process, and after waiting a few days you will see new shoots sprouting.