Christmas cactus propagation is easy with stem cuttings. They root quickly in soil, giving you new plants in just weeks. These step-by-step instructions show how to expand your indoor plant collection or share with friends this holiday season.
This guide focuses on soil propagation, the most dependable method for Schlumbergera x buckleyi (formerly Schlumbergera bridgesii). Providing the correct light, moisture, and a well-draining soil mix will produce strong, healthy cuttings that thrive indoors.
Follow the tips below to avoid common mistakes and encourage fast rooting. With the proper care, your stem cuttings will develop into plants that will bloom this holiday season and beyond.
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How to propagate a Christmas cactus
The best time to propagate Christmas cactus is in late spring or early summer. This takes advantage of the plant’s growing season and encourages strong roots. Avoid propagation when the plant is in flower.
Identifying Christmas cactus
Holiday cactus species are often confused. Christmas cactus (S. x buckleyi) and Thanksgiving cactus (S.truncata) look very similar.
As the photo below shows, the Christmas cactus has rounded, scalloped leaf segments. In contrast, Thanksgiving cactus has pointed, claw-like segments and blooms earlier in the season—around Thanksgiving.
Propagating Christmas cactus in soil
Follow these steps to grow healthy new plants from stem cuttings. This is the most reliable method for Schlumbergera x buckleyi, and it produces strong roots quickly.
Supplies needed
- Healthy Christmas cactus cuttings
- Rooting hormone powder (optional)
- Small plant pot
- Well-draining soil mix, such as a succulent/cactus potting mix
- Plastic wrap or a cut-down clear plastic container to create a mini-greenhouse
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these steps to propagate Thanksgiving cactus cuttings in soil
Step 1: Prepare the cuttings
- Gently pinch or twist off firm, healthy segments with 2–3 leaf joints from the parent plant.
- If you notice aerial roots at the joint, select these. They will root more quickly.
- Note that some cuttings may not root. Be sure to take extras, just in case.
- Dip the ends of the cuttings in rooting hormone powder. (Optional, but helps the cutting to root more quickly).
- Let the cuttings sit for 1-2 days to callus over the cut ends.
Step 2: Fill the pot
- Place your well-draining soil into a small pot. Lightly moisten the soil.
Step 3: Plant the cuttings
- Insert the cut ends of the cactus stems about ½ to 1 inch deep into the soil. Ensure they are upright and stable.
Step 4: Create humidity
- Cover the pot with a plastic bottle, cut in half to maintain humidity. Plastic wrap also works.
- Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight that can scorch the cuttings.
Step 5: Monitor the cuttings
- Water sparingly, keeping the soil slightly moist.
- Roots should begin forming in 1-2 weeks. To test this, gently tug on the cuttings. If you feel resistance, they have rooted.
- Once rooted, gradually remove the plastic cover.
- Plant in individual pots, or keep them in one pot to quickly get a large plant.
- Care for the cuttings as you would a mature plant.
While these steps focus on Christmas cactus propagation in soil, you can also check out my Thanksgiving cactus propagation guide, which explains how to root cuttings in water and divide mature plants. The techniques are very similar for a Christmas cactus.
Troubleshooting Christmas cactus propagation
Christmas cactus propagation is normally straightforward, but some common mistakes can slow down rooting or cause the cuttings to fail to root. Being aware of these issues early helps ensure success.
- Overwatering—If the soil is too wet, the cuttings can rot. Be sure to keep it lightly moist but not soggy. Let the top inch of soil dry out before you rewater. A plant mister is a good way to water the soil.
- Too much sunlight—Bright indirect light is ideal. Place the cuttings in an east or north-facing window. Direct sunlight can scorch tender cuttings.
- Poor soil quality—Compacted soil mixes that are dense hold too much water. Be sure to plant the Christmas cactus cuttings in a well-draining cactus/succulent soil for the best success.
- Unhealthy cuttings—Always choose firm, green succulents from the parent plant. Avoid soft or wrinkled stems. These rarely root well.
- Low humidity—Christmas cactus stem cuttings root best if the air around them is humid. Covering the pot with plastic wrap, supported by bamboo skewers, or a cut-down plastic bottle will create a mini-greenhouse effect.
More holiday plant inspiration
If you enjoyed learning how to propagate Christmas cactus, check out these posts for a care guide, reblooming tips, and ideas for other seasonal plants to enjoy this season, to brighten your home.
- Christmas cactus care guide—Learn how to care for Schlumbergera x buckleyi and keep it healthy all year round.
- Other holiday plants to enjoy—A list of 27 flowers and plants to grow for Christmas each year.
- Getting a Christmas cactus to rebloom each year—Step-by-step tips to encourage blooming so that you can enjoy your plant every holiday season.
Share these tips for rooting Christmas cactus on X
Do you have a friend who wants to know how to get more Christmas cactus plants for free? Why not share this guide with them? Here is a post to get you started:
🌱 Ready to grow your own Christmas cactus? Head to The Gardening Cook for simple soil propagation tips and enjoy new plants in just weeks! 🎄💚 #ChristmasCactus #IndoorPlants #PlantPropagation #HolidayGardening Share on XPin this post about propagating Christmas cactus
Would you like a reminder of this post for growing Christmas cactus cuttings in soil? Pin this image to one of your gardening boards on Pinterest so that you can easily find it later.
You can also watch this YouTube slideshow video about propagating a Christmas cactus!
Easy Christmas Cactus Propagation: Growing Cuttings in Soil
Grow new Christmas cactus plants in just a few weeks! Follow these easy steps for propagating this popular holiday cactus plant by rooting its stem cuttings in soil.
Materials
- Schlumbergera x buckleyi plant
- Succulent/cactus soil
- Hormone Rooting Powder
- Small pot
- Cut off plastic soda bottle
Tools
- Misting bottle
Instructions
- Take cuttings in late spring or early summer.
- Be sure the plant is healthy. Choose stems that are not withered, and those with no flower buds on them.
- Carefully pinch or twist off pieces of stems from the mother plant that are at least 3-4 segments long.
- Dip the ends of the cuttings in rooting hormone. (optional)
- Allow the ends of the cuttings to callus for 1-2 days before planting them in soil.
- Plant the cuttings, ½ to 1 inch deep, into a container with well-draining succulent/cactus soil.
- Cover the container with a cut-down soda bottle to create a mini-greenhouse environment. This raises the humidity around the cuttings.
- Place the cuttings in bright light but not direct sunlight. An east or north-facing window is best.
- Mist gently to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Roots should form in 1-2 weeks. To test, tug on the cuttings. If you feel resistance, they have rooted.
- When roots are established and new growth is present, remove the plastic dome.
- Transfer the cuttings to individual pots, or grow them in one pot for a mature plant more quickly.+
- Care for the cuttings as you would mature Christmas cactus plants.
Notes
For water propagation of Christmas cactus and tips for dividing a mature plant, see my Thanksgiving cactus propagation post. The technique is very similar for a Christmas cactus.
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