What are the methods for propagating Christmas cactus by cuttings? The latest techniques explained in one article

Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) is a succulent plant in the cactus family with high ornamental value, and it is extremely common in major parks and gardens across our country. At present, the production area of Christmas cactus in our country is still very large, and it is also a major potted plant in winter in our country, welcomed by many people. So how should you propagate Christmas cactus by cuttings when growing it? Below, the editor brings you the cutting propagation methods for Christmas cactus. Let's take a look!

1. Cutting time

Because Christmas cactus is a winter plant, its cold tolerance is still relatively strong. Therefore, Christmas cactus cuttings can be taken in spring and autumn. If taking cuttings in spring, then April to May is more suitable. If in autumn, then cuttings can begin from September. Then before taking cuttings, we must choose the cutting soil well; the soil should mainly be a loose, permeable sandy loam with normal drainage and irrigation. This ensures the survival rate of Christmas cactus cuttings and avoids the cuttings dying due to overly sticky soil.

2. Selection of cuttings

Christmas cactus cuttings should mainly use mature stem segments. You can select robust stem segments from the plant, or when pruning the Christmas cactus, the stem segments cut off can all be used for cuttings. After cutting off the branches, cut off the broken and improperly shaped parts. Then make a diagonal cut at the base of the branch and place it in a ventilated, shady place to dry for about two days; once the cut has dried, you can take the cutting. If you want to increase the rooting speed of the cuttings, then you can apply an appropriate amount of rooting hormone to the base. Finally, when cutting the Christmas cactus, be careful to disinfect the pruning tools.

3. Cutting method

The Christmas cactus cutting method is actually very simple. After preparing the cutting soil, break up and level the soil. You can add an appropriate amount of water to the soil to keep it slightly moist, then directly insert the cuttings coated with rooting hormone into the soil. After inserting the cuttings, keep the depth at about 1/3 of the branch length. After inserting the branches, keep them upright, firm the soil around the cuttings, and water once after all cuttings are inserted. Then maintain a ventilated, shady environment and wait for the cuttings to take root.

4. Management after cutting

After taking Christmas cactus cuttings, management work must be done well. First, pay attention to shading, and water and mist appropriately to maintain humidity. Under normal circumstances, Christmas cactus will take root about half a month after cutting. If cuttings are taken in late autumn, then because the temperature is lower and the resistance of the cuttings is weaker, you should properly cover them with film to avoid frost damage to the cuttings. Wait until the branches have taken root, then uncover the film, give appropriate light, promote the growth of the cuttings, and improve the survival rate.

The above is a brief introduction to the cutting propagation methods for Christmas cactus. That's all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!