Growing Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera) from cuttings is one of the easiest propagation methods. This also works for Thanksgiving and Easter holiday cactus plants. See how to take a section of leaf stem and grow new plants.
For a indoor growing guide, see How to Care For Christmas Cactus Year-Round.
How to Grow Christmas Cactus From Cuttings
Good news! This is as easy as it gets for plant propagation.
You can use these instructions to take cuttings from Christmas (Schlumbergera x buckleyi), Thanksgiving (Schlumbergera truncata), and Easter (Rhipsalidopsis) cactus plants.
Not sure which one you have? Use these identification tips. No matter what type, daily care and propagation is the same.
Using the instructions (below), the cutting will grow roots and grow into a new plant.
Here are some tips before you start:
- The part we’re using for propagation is the phylloclade or cladode (a.k.a. “clades”): stems which are comprised of what seems like segmented flat leaves. These are actually modified branches. You don’t have to go looking for it: this is all the plant is.
- For best results, the plant should not currently be producing buds or flowering when you take your cuttings.
- Your cuttings (stem) can be 1, 2, 3, or 4 segments long. Longer than that and it may topple over in the flower pot while waiting for roots to form.
- When you take your cutting—don’t cut! Pinch or twist off the stem at a join instead for a good clean break. Do not cut or break across a leaf—just at a join.
- Slightly warmer than usual temperatures between 71-81°F (21-27°C ) help speed up rooting.
- You can put multiple stems in the same pot. Allow an inch of so between them.
Plant Patents: Some plants are patented and asexual reproduction is not permitted without permission from the patent holder. Patents and trademarks are listed on plant tags.
3 Ways to Grow Stem Cuttings
Whichever method you choose, avoid placing your holiday cactus in direct sun. They need bright, indirect light and must never dry out.
- Direct Planting | This is the easiest method. Take your cutting (stem segment) and plant it directly in moist potting mix. Bury half of the lowest leaf. You can also bury the stem deeper—at the halfway point on the next leaf up. Keep watered and roots will form. Add several cuttings to one flower pot for a fuller effect.
- Callus First, Then Plant Directly | Some gardeners take a cutting and, before planting it in potting mix, allow the cutting to air dry for a few days so a callus will form at the cut. This should be done away from direct light or heat so the stem does not dry out. The idea is that you could prevent disease in the plant with this extra protection but I don’t find it’s a concern when using new potting mix.
- Water Propagation | Place your cutting in a baby food jar with the base (bottom inch) submerged in clean, warm water. You can add some stones to help hold the cutting in place if needed. Roots will gradually form. Once established (at least an inch long), plant your cutting in potting mix.
Creative Propagation Idea
If you have several Schlumbergera or Rhipsalidopsis plants with different color flowers, consider rooting cuttings from each of them in the same pot. This way, a year later when the plant blooms you will have a multi-colored bunch of flowers all from the same pot. Very pretty!
More Tips
- Christmas Cactus Care Tips
- How to Identify Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus Plants.
- Got an orchid? You can use tips to grow orchid babies.
Frequently Asked Questions
These tips apply to all types of Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter cactus plants.
My holiday cactus dropped some leaves. Can I regrow them?
Yes. Follow the same instructions (below) as if you have intentionally removed the leaf stem from the plant for propagating. The leaf stems are actually modified branches called cladodes or “clades”.
Can I root Christmas cactus in water?
Yes, roots will form when the end of the stem segment is submerged in water.
Can I root holiday cactus in potting mix?
Yes, the stem cutting will form roots when in contact with moist potting mix.
When is the best time to grow Thanksgiving cactus from cuttings?
For best results, wait until the plant has finished flowering and the leaves (these are actually modified branches called cladodes) are growing before taking cuttings.
How long does it take a holiday cactus cutting to form roots?
The roots will start growing right away and should be visible within weeks.
Will Christmas cactus grow outside?
This depends entirely on your climate and growing conditions. This article on year-round Christmas cactus care has more details.
My Christmas Cactus is growing little shoots on the branches—is this normal?
Yes, those little shoots are called aerial roots and are normal and advantageous for epiphytic plants (“air plants”). In the wild these roots would help the plant anchor to its host.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
How to Grow Christmas Cactus From Cuttings
Equipment
Supplies & Materials
- 1 Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving cactus plant
Instructions
- Fill 4 to 6-inch diameter flower pot up to 1-inch below lip of pot with moistened cacti potting mix. Press soil down and top up if needed.
- Twist off one or more stems from existing plant (not currently in bloom). Each stem cutting can be 1 to 4 segments long. The break should be between leaf segments at a join—do not cut across or break through the middle of a leaf.
- Optional: Allow cuttings to dry for several days until calluses form.
- Plant broken end of stem in potting mix, approximately one-half to one inch deep. If planting several, place an inch apart.
- Place in bright, indirect light at room temperature 65-75 °F (18-23 °C) and water as needed.
Linda Maxwell says
Very helpful but, I have a very old plant and it has segments on it that are hard and dark in color I don’t know if I should just leave it that way or take off all the been segments a few at a time or just leave it the way it is.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Linda,
I have an old one like that too. The plant does fine if you remove some of them—it’s just an aesthetic choice.
MARIE RACHEL BATES says
I am in the process of potting on the “cuttings” of my Christmas Cactus. I used the water propagating system with success may I add.
Thank you so much for the useful information which I´ve followed successfully.
A very happy 84 years young …soon to be though.
Marie
Germaine says
My Christmas cactus is dying but has buds on it. I think it needs repotting snd the paint will be very unhealthy by the time it would quit flowering. Most of the buds are starting to drop off. Can I propagate now while it is has a few flowers on but most buds are falling off? I began the original plant in the 5th grade and am now 72 yes old. I don’t want to lose it completely.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Germaine, I would propagate a few pieces now and then do a few more when the buds are gone. Propagation tends to go better when the plant is not flowering but in your case I’d go ahead anyways.
Shari says
My plant just won’t bloom.I have had it about three years.
What is wrong with it?
What can I do?
Melissa J. Will says
This has instructions for getting blooms: https://empressofdirt.net/holiday-cactus-care-guide-2/
Debi Brown says
Do you pull off the dead flower or leave it and let it drop off
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Debi,
It just comes down to personal preference: the plant doesn’t mind either way.
Ruth Amy James says
Could you please let me know the best temp environment for my Christmas cactus. I have repotted it and it has been in my green house all summer and I am ready to bring it inside as it has started blooming. Thank you so much.
Melissa J. Will says
65-75 °F (18-23 °C) until it’s time to force into bloom – all the info is in the article. 🙂