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.
Empress of Dirt
Christmas & Thanksgiving Cactus Care Tips
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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, some dropped leaves from a holiday cactus can be propagated. The best way to find out if the stem will form roots is simply to try it. Follow the same instructions as if you had intentionally removed the leaf stem (or “clades”) from the plant to regrow it.
Can I root Christmas cactus in water?
Yes, you can root holiday cactus stems in water. Submerge the base of the stem in water: roots will form there.
Can I root holiday cactus in potting mix?
Yes, holiday cactus stem cuttings can form roots when planted in moist potting mix. The key is to ensure the potting mix stays moist but not overly wet.
When is the best time to grow Thanksgiving cactus from cuttings?
The best time to grow Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus cuttings is after flowering. While blooming, much of the plant’s energy is directed toward flowering. Once done, it is ready for propagation.
How long does it take a holiday cactus cutting to form roots?
A holiday cactus cutting propagated in water will start forming roots right away. The roots are usually visible within a few weeks.
Will Christmas cactus grow outside?
Whether or not you can grow Christmas cactus outdoors depends on your climate and growing conditions. In cold climates with warm summers, many gardeners place their holiday cactus outside during the warmer months and return them indoors for fall and winter. 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, it is normal for Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus to grow little shoots on their branches. These are aerial roots. Aerial roots 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.
Judy Lloyd says
my easter cactus never blooms. it has the same conditions as my thanksgiving cactus, that bloom. both in heated 3 season room. never be,ow 60°in the winter.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Judy,
It’s cool temperatures, low water, and low or no light for a few months that will trigger flowering. Change things up for your easter cactus and it should bloom.
https://empressofdirt.net/holiday-cactus-care-guide-2/
🙂
Mary says
I have a large Chrismas cactus. My granddaughter want plants from it. I’m going to do three because I don’t want to stress it too much.
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Mary,
A large plant with lots of stems will not even notice if you remove some stems. I hope your granddaughter enjoys her new plant(s)!
Darlene yee says
I came across this site. I have all three cactuses. I have an Easter cactus and I think she is with disease .. but after reading this , I will start to propagate so I can then get rid of the disease part .Funny plants ; hard to get them to flower but once they start they really bloom .. you make it seem easy to care for these guys so that’s a relief. Thanks for taking your time to share your knowledge.I am in BC
JoBeth M Henderson says
I took a piece of Christmas cactus from a plant in June. Placed it in a small glass of water. It has been there ever since and now it’s December. To my surprise in early November a bloom started forming. And Yes it’s a double blooming white with very pale pink color with a red pistol. Amazingly beautiful.
Sandy Avery says
Thank you for the great advice. Always interesting n more learning for me.
Tracy Shirelle Jenkins says
?? I put some Pete mosses around my Christmas cause. Abd leaves just started falling off!! Please explain why? Thank you. ❤️
Melissa J. Will says
Hi Tracy,
It’s normal for Christmas cactus to drop leaves at times throughout the year. Whether it’s releated to the peat moss is impossible to know. Did you do that for decoration? I don’t think it should matter unless it’s blocking water from reaching the roots as needed. Also, overwatering can also cause the stems/leaves to drop.
This article shares how to care for your plant including watering:
https://empressofdirt.net/holiday-cactus-care-guide-2/
I hope it’s just a temporary problem.
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. 🙂