Christmas cactus plants are easy to maintain because they bloom in the Northern Hemisphere.Pruning can help you grow a bushier plant or decrease the size of your existing plant.You will be able to maximize the potential of your Christmas cactus plant if you prepare it correctly.
Step 1: If you want the plant to grow more fully, you should take 1-2 segments from it.
If you want to allow for further growth, you don't need to take much off the ends.If you want to reduce the size of your Christmas cactus, you can remove up to 13 of it.
Step 2: If you want to grow, take longer cuttings.
You can grow another plant from the mother plant.Make sure the cuttings are long.You can grow as many plants as you want from the cuttings.
Step 3: Wait until your cactus has bloomed.
After the Christmas cactus has bloomed, it will be entering a growth period and putting out new leaves.The best time to peck is during this time as it allows the cactus to grow more stems.You can continue to peck it until late Spring if you can't do it right away.
Step 4: The plant needs to be turned around at the gap between segments.
Each segment has a joint at the end.The stem is the weakest part of the plant and should break easily at this point.To avoid damaging the plant, twist quickly.Use your thumbnail to separate the stem at the juncture if it doesn't break easily.You can trim the plant using garden clippers instead of twisting it.
Step 5: The stems have longer pieces.
New cactus plants can be grown using cuttings larger than two sections.Cutlets that are too short should be discarded.
Step 6: For a couple of days, dry your cuttings.
Stem rot can occur when there is excess water in the plant.For up to 4 days, the cutting can be left to dry.
Step 7: Use a soil mix with good drainage to prepare smaller pots.
A mixture of moist soil and sand will nourish your plant.Proper soil drainage is important for cactus growth.Pumice can be applied to the bottom of your pot for additional drainage.
Step 8: The segment should be inserted into the soil.
Make sure the cutting is at least an inch deep so that it can absorb water and nutrients.
Step 9: Place your pot in a shaded area.
The Christmas cactus will thrive in bright, indirect light, even though it can easily adapt to low light conditions.Direct sunlight can easily burn the cactus leaves.It's a good idea to water your plants to prevent rot.
Step 10: You can transplant your plants into a larger pot.
Your cutting will show growth after a few weeks.These are usually red in colour and a sign that you can transplant them into a bigger pot.You can use the same soil as the mother plant.Don't worry if your plant starts to decline at the beginning.Once the plant gets used to its new home, this will go away.Your plant can be exposed to more indirect sunlight at this point.
Step 11: It's a good idea to water your Christmas cactus.
Water can be retained as well as an adult plant once your cutting develops roots and new growth.If you want your plant to grow well, make sure the soil is moist and you care for it the same way a mature cactus would.The soil should be tested to see if it needs watering.When the top layer of the soil feels dry, it's time to water again.
Step 12: It's a good idea to repot your cactus every few years.
Christmas cactus plants like to live in tight pots so they don't need a lot of repotting.In the late winter or early spring, replanting should be done.