Basically, you don't need to cut your Christmas cactus at all. However, if it gets too big, you can cut it back. You also have to use a knife to get cuttings for propagation. What to consider when cutting Christmas cacti.

Cuttings can be taken in spring

When is pruning of the Christmas cactus necessary?

Cutting is not necessary at all. However, if the Christmas cactus is too big for you or if many of the leaves are hanging limp, you can use a sharp knife and shorten the cactus.

The best time to cut back Christmas cacti

Do not cut the Christmas cactus just before it blooms. The best time for pruning 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. Blunt blades tear the interfaces, 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 members. 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 off these leaves to give the cactus strength to form new leaves.

At the same time, repot the cactus and place it in a substrate that is not too moist. Avoid watering the Christmas cactus too much in the future.

Cut cuttings for propagation

The Christmas cactus can be propagated very well by cuttings. In the spring, cut shoots of two to three branches and let the cuttings dry for a few days.

The cuttings are then placed in prepared seed pots (€16.68) and kept moist and warm. The care depends on the conditions for fully grown Christmas cacti.

tips

Since the Christmas cactus is one of the slightly poisonous plants, you should work with gloves to be on the safe side when caring for it. Don't leave any plant debris lying around so children and pets can't get poisoned by it.

Category:

Vegetable garden