Quck answer
To divide a Christmas cactus, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the plant: Water the cactus a day before dividing to make the roots easier to work with.
2. Remove from pot: Gently remove the cactus from its pot, taking care not to damage the roots.
3. Separate segments: Look for natural segments or “joints” on the cactus. Gently pull them apart or use a clean, sharp knife to separate them.
4. Plant the segments: Fill small pots with well-draining soil. Plant each segment, making sure the roots are covered and the cactus is stable.
5. Water and care: Water the newly planted segments lightly and place them in a bright, indirect light location. Provide regular watering and care as needed.
By following these steps, you can successfully divide a Christmas cactus and create new plants.
Unlike many other indoor plants, the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x buckleyi, USDA plant hardiness zones 10 to 12) produces a lot of flowers. Dividing or propagating this plant is a simple method to fill your home or office with vibrant flowers. Divided Christmas cacti also make excellent gifts, especially during the holiday season when they are usually in full bloom.
When separating a Christmas cactus, you will keep the existing root system as intact as possible while dividing the plant into separate sections. When propagating this plant, you will grow roots from a single stem section (or a stem with multiple segments) and plant it in soil several weeks later. Even if you do not want to separate or propagate a Christmas cactus, it should be repotted every few years to provide enough space for its roots to grow.
Separating a Christmas Cactus
It is best to separate a Christmas cactus during a period of dormancy rather than during a period of growth, so wait until the flowers have fallen off. Carefully remove the entire root ball from the pot by holding the base of the plant and gently wiggling it free. If possible, tilt the pot to take advantage of gravity.
Remove some of the soil from the root ball so that you can easily distinguish the main stems and the roots. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut any roots that are difficult to separate by hand. You can transplant any stem that has attached roots. Use the “propagation by cutting” method to encourage root growth on any stems without roots.
The Christmas cactus thrives when its roots are somewhat confined. Therefore, it is best to choose small pots that allow for no more than an additional inch of soil on all sides of the separated sections. Remove some of the old dirt from the roots before planting it in fresh cactus or succulent potting soil. Water thoroughly immediately after replanting.
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Propagating Christmas Cactus Cuttings
You can grow an entirely new Christmas cactus using just one stem section (or multiple joined stem sections) from a healthy plant. Let the bottom of the stem rest in no more than half an inch of water and place the cup or bowl away from direct sunlight. Change the water daily to prevent stagnation. Alternatively, you can insert the stem section into moist vermiculite or a peat/perlite mixture, with only the base of the stem below the rooting medium. Keep the medium moist until the stem section develops roots.
Within six weeks, the stem should produce roots. You can then transplant and care for it like any other Christmas cactus.
For faster root growth, dip the freshly cut stem in water and then in rooting hormone. Place it in damp, coarse sand and ensure the sand does not dry out. Check for root growth after two weeks.
Repotting a Christmas Cactus
If you prefer the lush, dense growth of your Christmas cactus but suspect it has outgrown its pot, you can rejuvenate it by repotting instead of dividing it. This will provide a little more space for its roots to grow and allow you to add fresh potting soil, which offers better aeration, drainage, and nutrients. All of these factors will help revive the cactus and promote new growth.
According to Clemson Cooperative Extension, it is recommended to repot a Christmas cactus every three years or so. Similar to dividing, it is best to wait until the plant has finished blooming and the flowers have fallen off before repotting. The same guidelines for selecting a pot size and potting soil should be followed.
