Basically, you don't need to cut your Christmas cactus at all. If it gets too big, feel free to cut it back. You also have to use a knife to get cuttings for propagation. What you need to consider when cutting Christmas cacti.
When and how should you prune a Christmas cactus?
A Christmas cactus does not necessarily need to be cut, but if necessary, it can be cut back in early spring (February or March) after flowering. Use a sharp, clean knife and cut between limbs, never in the middle of a leaf.
When is cutting the Christmas cactus necessary?
Cutting is not necessary at all. However, if the Christmas cactus gets too big for you or if many of the leaves hang limply, you can use a sharp knife and shorten the cactus.
The Best Time to Prune Christmas Cacti
Do not cut the Christmas cactus just before flowering. The best time to prune is early spring after flowering in February and March.
How to properly cut a Christmas cactus
Use a sharp knife that you have cleaned well beforehand. Dull blades cause the interfaces to tear, allowing germs and other pathogens to enter. Clean the knife before cutting to avoid transferring bacteria or fungi.
The Christmas cactus is always cut between two limbs. Never split a sheet in half. Then a lot of plant sap is lost and the plant is damaged.
Cut off limp leaves
If the Christmas cactus gets limp leaves, this is an indication of too frequent and heavy watering. You can cut these leaves to give the cactus strength to grow new leaves.
Repot the cactus at the same time and place it in a substrate that is not too moist. In the future, avoid overwatering the Christmas cactus.
Cut cuttings for propagation
The Christmas cactus can be propagated very well via cuttings. In spring, cut shoots with two to three limbs and allow the interfaces to dry for a few days.
The cuttings are then placed in prepared cultivation pots and kept moist and warm. The care depends on the conditions for adult Christmas cacti.
Tip
Since the Christmas cactus is a slightly poisonous plant, you should wear gloves when caring for it to be on the safe side. Do not leave plant residues lying around so that children and pets cannot get poisoned.