Plant your cuttings cut side down, and avoid burying them in the soil all the way. Just halfway deep should be good enough. The cuttings should remain upright and not tip over, or else, growth may be a little deformed.
Step 5: Water and Care
Now comes the most important part, caring for your cuttings. The fact of the matter is that growing cuttings require a lot more love and attention compared to fully matured Christmas cacti. They’re young, delicate, and do not handle neglect very well.
It’s important that you timely fulfill their needs and remain consistent where you can.
Step 6: Watch for Root Development
When you plant a cutting, it’s mainly root development that you’re after. Look for signs of root growth in the initial stages of planting. The roots may be paler, thinner, and much smaller in the beginning.
Over the course of the next few weeks, your roots are likely to become thicker and spread much more quickly. Ensure consistently mild temperatures for unhindered root development.
Step 7: Transplanting
This is the step in the process that requires you to be the most cautious.
For transplantation, you first need to successfully pull out your Christmas cactus from the pot with its roots intact.
This is best done using your hands rather than some sharp gardening tool. It’s crucial to be gentle here as any harsh tugs or pulls can damage the root system right away.
You can either transplant your Christmas cactus into your garden outdoors or into a larger pot with more free space to accommodate full root spreading. Either way, ensure that wherever you’re planting, the soil is well-draining and your plant receives plenty of indirect light.
