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.
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: stems which are comprised of segmented flat leaves. 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.
- 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.
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!
Propagation Options
I have tried all of these methods and have one clear preference.
- Allow to Callus Before Planting | Some gardeners take their stem cutting and set it out to air dry, away from direct light or heat (so it won’t dry out) for a few days. This allows callus to form at the base which can protect the wound from disease.
Once the callus is formed, the cuttings is planted in potting mix (as described below). - Water Propagation | You can also submerge the wound edge/end of the cutting piece in water where roots will gradually form. Once established, the cuttings is planted in potting mix.
I find water-propagated roots do not tend to be as capable or strong as soil-generated roots so I’m not a fan of this method. I also think it’s slower, but you can certainly still try it, of course. - Direct Planting | This is my preferred method. Right after taking your cutting(s), plant them in potting mix (see below). Roots will form and the plant will grow. Easy!
If you have had bad luck with houseplant diseases, you may prefer the Callus-first method.
For more tips see Christmas Cactus Care Tips
and How to Identify Christmas and Thanksgiving Cactus Plants.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
How to Grow Christmas Cactus From Cuttings
Supplies & Materials
- 1 Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving cactus plant
Equipment
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.
- 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.
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. 🙂
Melissa J. Will says
This is an excellent beginner project for anyone wanting to get started with plant propagation.