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Want more Easter Cactus plants?
It’s easier than you think!
Discover 4 simple ways to propagate your Easter Cactus.
Ready to grow?
Let’s dive in!
1. Propagation Using Soil
One of the easiest ways to propagate your Easter cactuses (Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri) involves taking cuttings. You’ll want to do this 2-3 months after the plants have flowered.
First, get several small pots ready along with suitable potting mix, a mister, and a plastic bag.
Steps to Follow:
Choose a Cutting: Look for a cutting with about 3 segments. Carefully twist it off the plant without breaking the base. A damaged base won’t grow new roots.
Drying: Let the cutting dry for 2-3 days to form a callus. This helps prevent rotting and boosts the chances of rooting.
Planting: Fill your pots with a quick-draining substrate. Insert the cuttings so at least half of each is below the soil surface.
Misting and Covering: Lightly mist the cactus leaves and cover them with a plastic bag to keep the moisture.
Lighting: Place your cuttings in bright, indirect light.
Watering: Don’t water until new roots form. Once roots are a few inches long, you can repot the cuttings.
Resuming Care: After transplanting, go back to your usual Easter cactus watering routine.
This approach is straightforward and effective, giving you more beautiful cactuses to enjoy.
2. Propagation Using Water
Water propagation is a popular and straightforward way to grow new plants. You will need a few glasses or jars and clean, fresh water.
- Start by carefully twisting off the Easter cactus cuttings from the main plant.
- Fill your glasses or jars with clean water and place the cuttings inside, ensuring the base is submerged.
- Position the glasses or jars in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days to keep it clean.
- When the roots have grown to a few inches in length, they are ready to be transferred to a suitable growing mix.
3. Propagation by Division
If your Easter cactus has grown large, you can easily split it to create new plants.
Carefully remove your Easter cactus from its pot and gently loosen the soil to reveal the roots.
Separate the root ball into multiple segments, ensuring each part has enough roots and stems.
If the plant appears rootbound, make a clean cut to separate the sections.
Place each divided section in its own container with well-draining soil and position them in bright, indirect light.
Maintain the same care conditions for your new plants as you did for the original one.
4. Growing from Seeds
For those who enjoy a good challenge in gardening, propagating your Easter cactus (Rhipsalidopsis) through seeds offers a rewarding experience. This method is less common due to its complexity, but it’s quite fascinating.
Start by pollinating your Easter cactus and gathering the seeds. Once you’ve collected the seeds, follow these steps:
- Moisten a paper towel and place the Rhipsalidopsis seeds on it.
- Cover the seeds with the towel and set it on an enriched growing substrate. Place the towel in a plastic bag.
- Remove the bag cover every day for an hour to allow air circulation.
- Provide the seeds with bright, indirect light. In about 3 weeks, they should begin to germinate.
Once the seeds have germinated, transfer your seedlings to containers with suitable potting mix. Remember, using these steps can make growing a new Easter cactus an enjoyable and fruitful endeavor.