How to Propagate Christmas Cactus, 2 Ways

There are two main ways to propagate Christmas cactus: rooting cuttings in soil and rooting cuttings in water. Both tend to be equally successful, but like most succulents, rooting cuttings in soil is generally the easier and more popular choice.

Propagating Christmas Cactus in Soil

Rooting stem cuttings in soil is the easiest and most popular method for propagating Christmas cactus. Many people prefer rooting cuttings in soil because you don’t have the added step of moving the rooted cuttings from one medium to another. Here’s how to propagate Christmas cactus using soil.

1. 
   

   Take Cuttings

   Start by taking one or more stem cuttings from a healthy Christmas cactus. Instead of using pruning shears or scissors, it’s best to use your fingers to gently twist off the stem at the base of one of the Y-shaped segments. Each cutting should have three to four of these segments.

   
2. 
   

   Let Cuttings Callous

   Set the cuttings out in a warm, dry location out of direct sunlight for at least 24 hours to allow the bottom of each cutting to callous over. This helps to prevent rotting or disease in the cuttings once they are planted.

   
3. 
   

   Plant Cuttings in Soil

   Fill a container with a well-draining soil mix and pot the cuttings in the soil, planting them so the first Y-shaped stem segment is about half buried. Place the cutting in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Don’t water for the first one to two weeks, or until roots begin to sprout. You can check if the cutting has started to grow roots by gently tugging on the cutting to see if there’s resistance.

   

   Tip

   It is normal and to be expected if your stem cuttings start to look a bit limp after the first week, since the cuttings aren’t receiving water. However, watering cuttings that don’t have roots yet won’t solve the problem—it will just increase the chance of root rot. Luckily, succulents are designed to withstand drought, so resist the urge to water your cuttings until they have roots to absorb the water. They’ll bounce right back in no time.

4. 
   

   Keep Warm and Moist

   Once the cuttings have started to root, they should be kept warm and moist until established. Be cautious of overwatering—you want the soil to be evenly moist but not soaking. Once you begin to see signs of new growth on the stems of the new cactus you can cut back on watering slightly to establish a more normal watering routine.

   

Propagating Christmas Cactus in Water

While propagating Christmas cactus in soil may be the most popular method, water propagation is equally as successful and simple. If you are experienced with rooting stem cuttings in water (think pothos, Philodendron, monsteras, and more) you may prefer this method over using soil since it will feel familiar. In addition, many people enjoy watching the roots sprout, which is a distinct advantage of using water.

1. 
   

   Take Cuttings

   Start by taking one or more stem cuttings from a healthy Christmas cactus. Instead of using pruning shears or scissors, it’s best to use your fingers to gently twist off the stem at the base of one of the Y-shaped segments. Each cutting should have three to four of these segments.

   
2. 
   

   Root Cuttings in Water

   Fill a glass vase or container with fresh, room temperature water and place the cuttings in it. The stem cuttings should be partially submerged, with the fresh cut end facing downwards. Set the glass in a warm location that receives bright, indirect light and refresh the water once a week. After one to two weeks, small white roots should begin to sprout.

   
3. 
   

   Plant Rooted Cuttings

   As soon as roots have sprouted you can move the cuttings to soil, but you can also leave them for longer if you’d like to watch the roots develop. Whenever you decide to move them to soil, ensure that you use a well-drained soil mix. Plant the rooted cuttings and water thoroughly. Return them to a warm, bright location and keep the soil evenly moist for the first one to two weeks to help the roots acclimate.