Can Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) actually be propagated by cuttings in summer?

1. Can it be propagated by cuttings in summer?

It can be propagated by cuttings in summer. But since its most suitable time for cuttings is in autumn, doing it now will be a bit more difficult, because summer is its dormant period, and taking cuttings then affects the rooting rate. Still, as long as you care for it carefully, you can succeed with cuttings just the same.

2. How to take cuttings

1. Soil

First, prepare the soil. Here you can use a looser soil, and use diluted carbendazim to disinfect the soil to prevent bacterial infection later on.

2. Choosing the cuttings

When preparing the stems for cuttings, tender shoots are usually chosen, and the top of the stem is cut off, with a length of about 4 to 5 cm being enough.

3. Taking the cuttings

Insert the prepared cuttings into the soil, then press down firmly with your hand, then water, and water thoroughly in one go.

4. Keep up the humidity

To increase its survival rate, you need to keep it humid. Because water evaporates quickly in summer, we can cover it with a plastic bag, then poke a few small holes in it for ventilation. After that, it can be placed in a spot with indirect light for care. Never use strong light, or it will scorch the cuttings.

5. Care after cuttings

Once the cuttings have grown small shoots, they can be placed in a spot with more light. But because summer light is too strong, we only move it out to sunbathe in the morning or evening. Then after about a month, it can be potted up.