If you’re looking for an easy way to start a garden, consider planting a cactus cutting.
Cacti are easy to care for and can be planted in various settings.
Cacti are succulents that come in various shapes and sizes, and they’re perfect for people who don’t have a lot of gardening experience.
This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to plant a cactus cutting. So gather your supplies, and let’s get started!
How To Plant Cactus Cuttings
Cactus plants are an easy way to create a low-maintenance garden.
If you want to start your cactus collection, the easiest method is often through cuttings.
Cactus propagation is easy and fun and a great way to get free plants!
There are different ways to propagate cactus, but the easiest is by taking cuttings.
This article will show you how to plant a cactus cutting. This easy step-by-step guide makes it simple and easy for anyone to propagate their own cacti.
1. How to Choose a Cactus Cutting
The first step in planting a cactus cutting is to choose the right one.
It’s not always easy to find, but it should be done before starting your project.
Your goal here is to find a healthy, mature piece of cactus that has not flowered recently.
The cutting should also have at least two or three segments, and the end attached to the mother plant should be healthy and free of rot.
2. How To Take a Cactus Cutting
The next step is how to take a cactus cutting.
This can be done with any knife or shears, but it’s best to use sterilized tools to prevent the spread of disease.
You can sterilize your tools by wiping them with rubbing alcohol or holding them over a flame.
Be sure to wear gloves when you’re taking the cutting since cactus spines can be very sharp.
The best time to take cuttings is early in the morning when the plant is still cool and hydrated.
Once you have chosen your cutting, cut it from the mother plant as close to the base as possible.
Try to get at least two or three segments, and ensure the end attached to the mother plant is healthy.
Remove any loose spines and dead tissue from the cutting. Clean the cutting with a damp paper towel or cotton swab to remove any dirt or debris.
3. How to Callus a Cactus Cutting
The next step is how to callus a cactus cutting.
A cut left exposed to air can lose water and become damaged by pests or disease, so we need to seal the wound with a callusing process.
To callus a cut, place it in a warm and dry area.
A sunny window or grow light will work well. Keep the cutting out of direct sunlight until it has callused over completely.
The callusing process can take up to ten days, depending on how big your cutting is and how hot and dry your environment is.
You know that callusing is complete when the cut has healed and looks dry.
4. How to Plant a Cactus Cutting
Now that your cactus cutting has been callused, it’s time to plant it.
Choose a pot at least six inches deep with drainage holes in the bottom.
Fill the pot with good-quality potting soil. You can either use a commercial cactus soil mix or make your own by mixing one part potting soil, one part sand, and one part perlite.
Place a few rocks in the bottom of the pot to help improve drainage and then add your cactus mix.
Moisten it slightly by misting it with water, but don’t soak the soil. You can use a spray bottle or just a cup of water to moisten the soil.
Place your cactus cutting on the soil and gently press it down into the potting mix.
To secure the cutting, carefully set it inside the pot to stand upright.
Cover the bottom third or half of the plant with the potting mix to prevent the cactus from falling over.
Place your cactus cutting in a warm, dry place where it will receive indirect sunlight and partial shade.
Ensure the area has good air circulation and avoid direct sunlight until your cactus root system is established.
5. How to Water a Cactus Cutting After Planting
After planting your cactus cutting, you will need to water it regularly.
Watering should be done whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
You don’t want to soak the soil, but you want to ensure it is always moist.
You can check the moisture level by sticking your finger in the soil.
If the top of the soil is starting to dry out, it’s time to water.
Use fresh water to avoid introducing harmful chemicals or minerals into the soil.
You can either use a spray bottle or pour some water into the pot when watering.
Ensure to water until it starts to come out of the bottom drainage holes, and then let the excess drain away.
Continue watering your cactus cutting until it is well-established and has a good root system.
Then you can reduce the frequency to once a week or even once every other week.
How Long Does It Take a Cactus Cutting to Root?
It can take three to four weeks for a cactus cutting to develop a root system and start producing new growth.
During this time, make sure to keep the soil moist and give your cactus plenty of indirect sunlight.
You can know that your cactus starts developing a root system when you see new growth forming.
This will be in the form of small shoots or leaves that are starting to grow from the cut.
Caring for a Cactus Cutting
Once your cactus has a healthy root system, you can move it to its permanent location and give it more direct sunlight.
However, you will still want to keep it in partial shade until it is fully adapted to its new environment.
Depending on how dry the soil is, you can then water your cactus once a week or once every two weeks.
If you live in a hot, dry environment, it may need more frequent watering.
You can tell if your cactus needs water by checking the soil moisture level.
If the top of the soil is dry, then it’s time to water. Be careful not to overwater your cactus, as this can lead to root rot.
How to Transplant a Cactus Cutting
Once your cactus has been growing for three to four months, it will be ready to transplant.
You can either plant it in the ground or repot it into a larger container.
If you choose to repot your cactus, make sure the pot is at least six inches deep and has good drainage.
Use a potting mix specifically made for cacti and succulents, as they need fast-draining soil.
1. Carefully Remove It From Its Container
Remove your cactus from the pot by gently squeezing the sides of the container until you can loosen it up.
Then carefully pull it out and set it on a flat surface. Make sure to wear protective gloves when handling cacti, as they have spines that can pierce your skin.
2. Loosen the Soil Around the Roots
Next, you will need to loosen the soil around the roots of your cactus so that it doesn’t get too compacted when transplanting.
You can use a small garden trowel or your fingers to break up the dirt gently. Be careful not to damage any of the roots in this process.
3. Trim off Any Dead or Dying Roots
While you have the soil loosened up, take a moment to trim off any dead or dying roots.
These can be identified as dark brown and mushy in texture. Cut them off at the base with garden shears or scissors.
4. Transplant Your Cactus
Once the soil is loosened and any dead or dying roots have been trimmed, you can transplant your cactus.
If planting in the ground, make sure to dig a hole that is at least six inches deep.
If repotting into a new container, make sure the pot is at least six inches deep.
Then place the cactus in the hole or pot and fill in with soil, making sure to pack it down gently.
Don’t water your cactus for at least a week after transplanting. This will give the roots time to get established in their new environment.
Final Thoughts
Propagating cacti from cuttings is a fun and rewarding process that can produce many new plants.
All you need to do is take a cutting, let it dry out for several days, and then plant it in well-draining soil with plenty of indirect sunlight.
Once the cactus has rooted, you can transplant it into its final location or into a larger pot.
Caring for your cactus cutting is easy and only requires watering once a week or every two weeks, depending on how dry the soil is.
Make sure to keep it in partial shade until it has fully adapted to its new environment. And be careful not to overwater!
Thank you for reading! I hope this article was helpful in teaching you how to plant a cactus cutting.
