Simple Ways To Propagate A Cactus

Cactus and succulents are hardy beings that are absolutely low maintenance. They survive even in drought. Cactus and succulents (https://dharmikgardens.com/product-category/plants/by-variety/cactus-plants/) plant care are simple how to propagate? The answer to that is right here in this blog. Here, you will find ample information about simple ways to propagate cactus and succulents at home. Continue to read through to find effective and simple ideas that you can DIY anytime at your home.

Why Propagate Cactus and Succulents?

If you are a cacti lover, you will definitely love the sight of it, maybe at least one of them in each room because they can thrive anywhere with indirect light. Add more plants to your home or office without spending a penny. Also, propagation increases a plant’s population and aids in preserving a species, which is crucial, especially if it is in danger of going extinct. So propagation benefits both, you and your plant 🙂

How To Propagate These Hardy Plants?

Here is a step-by-step simple guide that will walk you through the propagation process of your cactus.

Step 1: Choose a Healthy Cactus Plant

Select a healthy cactus cutting for propagation as your pup (offset) depends on how healthy your cutting is. To begin with, select a leaf with no signs of damage or disease.

Step 2: Allow the Cutting to Callus

So how to callus the cuttings? All you have to do is, place the cactus cutting in a warm and dry location for about a week or two, allowing the cut end to form a callus. The callusing step is important because this step helps prevent rotting when the cutting is planted. 

Step 3: DIY a Well-Draining Soil Mix

So what next? It’s time to prepare a cactus soil mix for propagation. The plant needs a well-draining soil mix suitable for cacti by combining the 4 main ingredients such as potting soil, sand, and perlite. This mix helps prevent waterlogging and provides adequate drainage for the developing roots.

Step 4: Plant the Cutting in the Soil

Once your soil is prepared, the proper planting technique for cactus cuttings is next in line. You have to start by inserting the callus end of the cactus cutting into the soil mix, and burying it about an inch deep. Make sure the cutting is stable and upright to promote proper root development.

Step 5: Water Sparingly

The critical part is the watering schedule for the cactus cuttings. The newly planted cactus should be watered sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to rotting, so it’s crucial to maintain a balance and not keep the soil excessively moist.

Step 6: Provide Indirect Sunlight

The ideal light for the cactus cutting to grow is in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as this can scorch the cutting or cause sunburn.

Step 7: Be Patient and Monitor your Progress

Monitor the cutting regularly, looking for signs of new growth or root development. Be patient, as it may take several weeks or even months for the cactus cutting to establish roots and begin growing.

Remember to adapt these steps to the specific type of cactus you are propagating, as different species may have unique requirements.

Interesting Fact about Cacti: Large cacti can actually act as soundproof as they can absorb the sound waves through their fleshy thick leaves.

Propagating from Offsets/Offshoots:

Many cacti species reproduce asexually by producing lateral shoots or offsets but not all cacti have offspring. Echinopsis species, mammillaria species, and many others are among those that do.

To start a new plant, gently remove offshoots and place them in an appropriate potting mix. Removing offshoots from the mother plant helps to refocus energy on the main plant’s growth.

Did You Know? A cactus is a sexually reproducing plant that has both male and female reproductive system.

Propagation from Seeds:

The majority of cacti species may be grown from seeds. I must say that this procedure of propagation of cactus plants is slow, and for sure eats up a lot of your time, so dive into it only if you are cent per cent sure about it, however, can’t deny the fact that this process has the best results.

• Step 1: Fill the pot with the soil mixture to the brim and level the top soil by gently pressing it down 
• Step 2: Because some species have very tough seed coats, soak the seeds in warm water for 30 minutes right before planting. Soaking them in warm water softens the seed coat and promotes germination. Now scatter the soaked seeds over the top of the firm soil. Unless the seed is exceptionally large, avoid pressing it into the soil and then sprinkle some more soil to get the seeds completely covered in the soil.
• Step 3: Place them under sufficient light and make sure the soil is well-drained. You might see newly sprouted seedlings but the roots will still be small making it difficult for them to absorb nutrients so keep them in a plastic container and under a high humidity level.
• Step 4: When the seedlings are large enough to handle, gently take each seedling from its original nursing pot while wearing gloves or covering your fingers to prevent yourself from getting injured by the spike.
• Step 5:  Gently transplant the seedling into a pot filled with cactus potting soil till the brim and then top dress with sand, gravel, or pumice. Water after three to four days.

Some Points to Remember:

Propagation at home takes time, you might even have to wait for a month or two to see the actual growth of your cutting, but, patience is the key and once you find those beautiful tiny little roots, all you will think about is “it was worth all the wait”. Trust me because I went through the same phase and that’s exactly why I’m writing this and I’m sure you will also benefit out of it if the process is right. To buy the best and low price cactus, hop on to our website https://dharmikgardens.com/product-category/plants/by-variety/cactus-plants/ and place your order right away.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

How Often to Water Cactus Cuttings?

Do not water the cuttings for at least a week to promote callus formation and prevent root rot.

Cactus Rooting Hormone

Not necessary for cactus propagation but if used, can promote fast growth of roots.

Can You Propagate Cactus In Water?

Yes, but not all varieties. The varieties of plants that can be propagated through cuttings are Christmas cactus and opuntia varieties.

AUTHOR: PRIYA RAVIKUMAR