It’s essential for the Christmas cactus cutting to callus over for a few days. All you need to do is find a dry spot with a lot of bright but indirect light and leave the cutting there.
Remember that the wounds on the cutting are sensitive to rotting, and that’s the main reason why we can’t plant them as soon as we take them.
The callus that forms on the cutting will prevent rotting and the roots will successfully form.
Keep the area dust-free to avoid any contamination during this process.
5. Prepare The Pot
When choosing pots for cactuses, we need to select the ones that will fit the plant and they should be made of porous materials to prevent waterlogging. These materials allow for better airflow and help regulate soil moisture, which is crucial for healthy root development.
Christmas cactus cuttings are pretty small so it would be logical to select smaller pots. But, from my experience, you can go with full-size pots, especially if you’re aiming for long-term growth without the need for frequent repotting.
Many growers claim that the cuttings will have too much soil and be more sensitive to rotting. That is technically true but, in my opinion, it applies more to other plant species. The Christmas cactus is more forgiving and adapts well to having extra soil around its roots.
Cactuses don’t mind being rootbound and you’ll do them more harm than good if you disturb the roots. These plants have a hard time recovering from repotting, so purchase 6 to 8 inch pots to avoid this.
Your Christmas cactus will develop healthily and reach its full size in no time. You’ll also avoid the risk of breaking the cuttings when transferring them to other pots, which can be a common issue with delicate, newly rooted plants!
6. Add Soil Mix
When choosing the soil mix for your cactus, you should consider two factors. First, make sure the potting soil is porous enough to allow the roots to breathe, as proper aeration is crucial to healthy root development.
Second, the soil must be free-draining to prevent water from accumulating and rotting the roots. Adding materials like sand, perlite, or small pebbles can enhance drainage and create the ideal environment for your Christmas cactus.
You can either purchase a ready-made soil mix designed specifically for succulent plants or make your own soil by mixing free-draining ingredients.
Take the pot, add about an inch of soil, and moisten it lightly; you don’t want it to get waterlogged! Ensure the soil is evenly moist but not soggy, as this will help the cuttings settle into their new home and encourage root growth.
