How to transplant a gigantic Christmas cactus
The Christmas cactus, also known as Schlumbergera, is a popular indoor plant thanks to its beautiful colourful flowers that bloom during the holiday season. If you have a Christmas cactus that has reached a huge size and you want to spread it or rejuvenate it, grafting is an effective technique to consider. Here is a detailed guide on how to transplant a gigantic Christmas cactus.
What is cactus grafting?
Plugging is a horticultural technique used to combine two different plants into one. In the case of Christmas cactus, grafting can be used to propagate new plants from existing specimens or to rejuvenate a cactus that has become too large or deformed.
Materials required:
- Two Christmas cactuses: the rootstock (the existing cactus to be grafted) and the graft (the part you want to graft on the rootstock)
- Finely sharpened and sterilized knife for cutting plant tissue
- Gardening thread or rubber elastic to hold grafted parts together
- Terreau adapted to cactus to replant the new transplant
- Clean and disinfected pots
Steps to transplant a Christmas cactus:
1. Preparation of cactus:
Choose a healthy rootstock and a graft that has features that you want to spread. Make sure both cactus are healthy and disease free.
2. Disinfection of knife:
Before starting the transplant, clean and sterilize your knife by soaking it in friction alcohol for a few minutes. This will help prevent infections and potential diseases.
3. Cactus cutting:
Choose a place on the rootstock to make a clean cut. Using the sterilized knife, cut the cactus by making sure to create a flat surface to accommodate the graft. Similarly, cut the graft so that it fits perfectly to the cut of the rootstock.
4. Assembly of cactus:
Gently place the graft on the rootstock and make sure they fit perfectly. Use the rubber gardening wire or rubber elastic to keep both parts together safely and stable.
5. Recovery:
Once the cactus are assembled, leave them in a warm and bright place but sheltered from the direct sun. Monitor the moisture of the substrate and make sure not to water too much. You should start seeing new signs of growth in a few weeks.
6. Transplantation:
Once the transplant has taken, you can transfer the cactus to a larger pot with a soil suitable for cactus. Make sure you water well and provide it with appropriate care to promote its continued growth.
Conclusion:
The grafting of a Christmas cactus is an interesting propagation technique to try if you want to rejuvenate or spread your existing plant. By following these steps and taking care of your grafted cactuses, you can enjoy new healthy plants to add beauty to your home during parties and beyond.