Are you thinking of a festive gift? Let’s propagate the Christmas cactus in water, so it’s ready to bloom just in time for winter!
The Christmas cactus is both an epiphyte and a lithophyte, and it can help make your winter feel a little brighter as its flowers are truly beautiful. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Christmas Cactus Information
The Christmas cactus, from the Schlumbergera group, was named after French plant expert Frederic Schlumberger. Unlike spiny desert cacti, this rainforest plant has flat, jointed stems and flowers that bloom at the tips. The cactus can grow up to 18 inches tall, taking in nutrients and water from its surroundings without hurting other plants.
Here’s something interesting: the Christmas cactus takes in carbon dioxide and releases oxygen at night, so it helps purify the air. Unlike desert cacti, it prefers cooler weather and some humidity, making it a great houseplant for winter.
Steps to Propagate Christmas Cactus in Water
1. Selecting a cutting
Start the process by picking 2–3 healthy stems from the parent plant. Each should be 3–5 inches long with at least two leaf-like segments. Choose a firm Y-shaped joint, free from pests or damage.
Quick note: Avoid cutting when the plant is budding or blooming. If your cactus looks tired, go for the healthiest stems for better results.
2. Snip the Segments
After you have chosen the best cutting, use a knife or garden scissors to cut the segment. Clean your tools first to prevent infection. Cut at the Y-shaped joints, preferably from the ends of the stem. If you cannot, cut into a Y-shape or gently twist the segment from the parent plant.
3. Callus formation
After cutting, let the segments sit for a day or two so the ends can dry and form a protective layer. This acts like a band-aid for the plant, helping prevent infection and water loss while the stem gets ready to grow roots.
4. Placing Water in a Container
Now, choose a small container with enough space for each cutting. You can add pebbles at the bottom to hold them upright, then fill with water until the bottom of the stems are covered by about an inch of water.
Pro tip: A clear glass jar makes it easy to watch the roots grow and spot any algae early.
5. Give Them the Right Conditions
You have almost reached the finish line. Keep the container in bright but not direct sunlight, like near an east or west-facing window. This cactus likes gentle sunshine instead of strong sunlight. Loosely cover the container with a plastic bag to keep it humid and help prevent fungus.
Change the water every week in summer, every 2 to 3 weeks in spring and fall, and once a month in winter. If you see algae, replace the water right away. In dry climates, you can put a small tray of water nearby to increase humidity without making the plant too wet.
6. Watch Roots Grow
Within a week, you’ll notice fine roots starting to grow. Wait until they are at least an inch long before moving the cutting to soil. If you move them too soon, the short roots can break easily. In gardening, patience is always rewarded.
7. Enjoy the Blossoms
Let’s talk about the most aesthetic part of the Christmas cactus, the flowers. Blooms in pink, purple, red, orange, yellow, or white. Flowers last 4–6 weeks and usually appear around Christmas, though in Brazil they’re called May Flowers.
To encourage more blooms, give your cactus 14–16 hours of darkness for about four weeks and keep it cool at night. Leaving faded flowers attached also helps conserve energy.
Hummingbirds love their nectar-filled tubular blossoms, so don’t be surprised if these little guests come visiting!
Notes for Success
- Take cuttings in warmer weather for faster rooting.
- Avoid direct sun to prevent leaf scorch.
- Safe for pets and kids.
- Rotate the plant so all sides get light and even bud formation.
- Give it a small amount of weak liquid plant food during the growing months for stronger roots and brighter flowers.
A Christmas cactus can live for decades and is sometimes passed down as a family heirloom. So grab your shears, start propagating, and share the festive joy. When your cactus blooms, let us know about your experience. We’d love to hear your cactus story!
