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If your Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus gets very big and pot-bound, you can divide it. Cut through its thick roots with a sharp, clean knife. You can divide it into two to four pieces, depending on the size of the plant. Replant the divisions in a well-drained cactus potting mix.
When should I divide my Christmas cactus?
Although you can grow them outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, they usually are grown as houseplants. The plants last five or six years, and with good care, they grow to fill a very large pot. You can separate a Christmas cactus in late spring or early summer.
Can you root a Christmas cactus in water?
You can root Christmas cactus cuttings in either water or a mixture of coarse sand and perlite or peat. To root in water, fill a glass jar with a two-inch layer of pebbles or small stones, pour in enough water to cover the pebbles, and add your cuttings to the jar so that only the bottom tip is in the water.
Do Christmas cactus like to be rootbound?
Christmas Cactuses actually like to have their roots sort of crowded. This is a struggle for plant parents because it’s tough to prevent them from becoming root bound when they actually grow best in a crowded pot.
Where do I cut my Christmas cactus to propagate?
Christmas cactus propagation usually begins by simply taking a short, Y-shaped cutting from the stem tip. The cutting should consist of at least two or three joined segments. When doing Christmas cactus propagating, always be sure that cuttings are taken from healthy foliage.
Should I transplant my Christmas cactus?
Most plants are best repotted when they display new growth in spring, but Christmas cactus repotting should be done after blooming ends and the flowers have wilted in late winter or early spring. Never attempt to repot the plant while it is actively blooming. Often, a plant can bloom happily in the same pot for years.
How do you split a cactus?
How to Divide Plants Spread the newspapers out carefully. Remove the plant from its pot. Decide how many plants the division is to produce. Separate the root ball gently. Be sure that each division has roots, a stem, and leaves (or shoots), and pot it in a clean, proper-sized pot with good drainage.
Can you plant two Christmas cactus together?
An old Christmas cactus can be combined in a single pot with a new plant, as long as neither plant is suffering from disease or pest infestation.
Do you water a Christmas cactus from the top or bottom?
In general, water a Christmas cactus when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry. To help increase the humidity around your plant, fill the pot saucer with pebbles and add water to just below the tops of the pebbles (the pot shouldn’t be sitting directly in water). The air will become more humid as the water evaporates.
How many times a year does a Christmas cactus bloom?
Does Christmas Cactus Bloom More Than Once A Year? Yes. Unlike many other succulents, Christmas cactus can bloom again in spring if given the short days condition.
Why are the leaves on my Christmas cactus limp?
Wilted or limp Christmas cactus is sometimes caused by a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. If you’ve neglected to water the limp Christmas cactus, begin by giving the plant a limited drink. Poor drainage and soggy roots can make Christmas cactus very limp.
Do Christmas cactus need to be root bound to bloom?
The Christmas cactus flourishes as long as the needs of its roots are met. Soil must be porous, fast-draining and not compacted so that air stays in plentiful supply.
How often should you water a Christmas cactus?
How to Care for Christmas Cacti. Plan to water every 2-3 weeks, but only water when the top one third of soil feels dry to the touch. For example, if the plant is in 6 inches of soil, water when the top 2 inches feel dry.
Can you cut a cactus and replant?
Cactus plants can grow new plants from pieces cut from the main cacti. You can remove one of these smaller plants to grow into a new cactus. Removing the cutting and transplanting it properly prevents damage to the original plant and helps ensure the new cactus grows well.
How long does it take for Christmas cactus to root?
It can take as long as one month for a Christmas cactus to root. So you’ll need to be patient for at least 3 to 4 weeks.
Are coffee grounds good for Christmas cactus?
Your Christmas cactus will enjoy a coffee as much as you do! Coffee grounds are a good source of potassium and nitrogen, two things the cactus needs to keep it healthy. Don’t use the grounds straight away, as moist grounds can go moldy, so you need to dry them first by spreading them out.
How long do Christmas cactus live?
The Christmas cactus is everywhere during the holiday season, with good reason. It’s a blooming succulent that is easy to care for, has gorgeous blooms, and when properly tended can live up to 100 years! That’s right! This plant can survive for decades, adding color to your holidays for generations.
