Due to their diverse shapes, cacti are among the most popular houseplants. Many species can be propagated vegetatively through offshoots. When it comes to rooting, there are a few points to keep in mind so that the prickly residents grow into viable young plants.
How can cacti be propagated by rooting?
To root cacti successfully, cut cuttings or children, let them air dry for a few days, powder the cut with charcoal powder and then plant them in nutrient-poor cactus soil. Moisten the young plants with a sprayer.
Which parts of the plant are suitable?
Cacti don't always grow as a spiky ball. Various genera such as the Christmas cactus thrive as decorative plants with drooping shoots.
These cactus leaves can be cut like cuttings. Other cacti often form side shoots, the so-called kindles. They are also wonderful for growing new plants yourself.
Cut and root cuttings
Ideally, you should cut the cactus cuttings between April and August, as the young plants develop better during this time. Always separate the plant parts with a disinfected, very sharp knife. Head cuttings should be at least ten centimeters long, children should be as developed as possible and not too small.
When rooting, proceed as follows:
- Do not pot cactus cuttings immediately. Since the children are unable to absorb moisture with the open interface, they must be left to air dry for a few days.
- Powder the cut surfaces with charcoal powder (€33.00 at Amazon). This prevents pathogens from penetrating.
- Place the offspring in an empty flower pot and place it in a light, airy and dry place.
- After a few days, a leathery protective skin forms at the interface.
- Soon roots will become visible. Now the time has come for the prickly creatures to be further rooted in the soil.
Use flower pots that are as small as possible and fill with nutrient-poor cactus soil. Place the pots in a place where the temperature is constantly between 20 and 25 degrees.
Unlike other plants, cacti are not watered. Just moisten the newly rooted plants with a sprayer.
Rooting flat-shooting cactus cuttings
Break off a ten centimeter long leaf link at the narrow point. This is simply placed in a flower pot that you have previously filled with a mixture of potting soil and cactus sand. Since the small cuttings fall over easily, support them with a toothpick.
So that the offspring develop roots quickly and do not rot, water gently with soft or boiled water.
Tip
Cactus cuttings should not be exposed to the blazing sun. If you have a warm place on the terrace or balcony, you can put the newly rooted plants outside. The fresh air is very good for them.
