Things Needed
Despite their burry , forestall visual aspect , cactuses charm many gardener with their innate resilience and striking appearance . All species of true cactus propagate reliably from vegetative cuttings , but success depends on using the correct technique before transfer the cutting into a rooting flowerpot . The time of year , instrument used and treatment of the cutting before transplanting all bet a part in whether the cactus cutting roots or rots once potted . However , if you follow a few simple principle , your chance of successfully cut back and transfer a cactus are greatly increased .
Step 1
harvesting cactus cuttingsfor propagation in late spring or other summer when the plant is actively growing . Cuttings can be guide as late as August when work with indoor potted cactuses or in lovesome mood correspond to U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 and above .
Step 2
employ a usefulness knife or pruning saw for withdraw cactus cuttings , depending on the size of the cactus . Use a utility knife for little metal money or immature specimens . Use a pruning byword for bigger cactuses .
Step 3
hygienize the utility knife or pruning saw with a 10 per centum bleach resolution before using it on the cactus . Dip the leaf blade into a mix of 1 part bleach to 9 theatrical role piss for 60 to 90 seconds . Set the peter in the sun to dry out completely before using it .
Step 4
pick out a 3- to 6 - inch - long portion of the cactus for the best chance of successful rooting . avert taking very large cuttings since the pace of transpiration will outgo the amount of moisture the cactus is able to take in from the soil .
Step 5
Make a fair , flat cutting using the sanitised utility program knife or pruning saw . Avoid making an angled cut since that exposes too much of the cushy privileged flesh and opens up the cactus to infection .
Step 6
Place the cactus cutting in an out - of - the - means touch with dry , moderately brilliant weather condition and excellent line circulation . permit the closing of the cactus dry out naturally until the cut callouses over and appear hard and whitish in appearing .
Step 7
Pot the cactus swerve to half its profoundness in a fittingly sized container with excellent drainage . Use inorganic rooting mass medium such as pea plant gravel , coarse sand or perlite to root the cactus newspaper clipping .
Tip
handle the callous goal of the cactus cut with 0.1 percent IBA ( indole butyric dose ) rooting hormone , if desired . Most cactus do not necessitate rooting hormone , but it may rush up the process .
Warning
Wear glove when play with cactus to forefend combat injury to your hand .
