If we love plants, few can match the charm of cacti. These resilient, spiky beauties are more than decoration—they're survivors that teach us patience and care.
Today, let's dive into how we can propagate cacti at home and make our collection grow, step by step.
Grafting: A Lifesaver for Fragile Cacti
Some cacti have delicate roots that lose strength over time. Grafting is a fantastic technique to save them. To do this, we use a cactus called a "triangular column" as the rootstock. First, we remove its growing tip and shave off the edges. Then, we place a rootless cactus on top and secure it with a rope or weight.
After one to two weeks, we can remove the rope, and our cactus is ready to thrive again. Grafting not only rescues weak cacti but also speeds up growth or helps plants recover from root diseases.
Division: Growing New Cacti from Existing Ones
Many cacti naturally grow small offshoots, called pups. We can cut off the main growing tip of the parent cactus, wait for pups to appear, and then separate them for planting. For round cacti, these tiny spheres grow on the stem, while for segmented or fan-shaped types, offshoots emerge near the main plant. When pups are the right size, we cut them off and let them root as new plants. This method is simple, efficient, and rewarding for home gardeners.
Sowing: From Seed to Sprout
Cacti seeds are not always self-pollinating. Most need pollen from a different plant of the same species. We carefully collect pollen from the male cactus when its flowers are ready and apply it to the female's stigma, usually in the afternoon for best results. After successful pollination, the flower's petals can be removed to prevent mold, and the fruit will slowly grow.
Once the fruit ripens, usually in 50-60 days, we collect seeds, wash and dry them, and store them in a cool, dry place. Before planting, the soil must be sterilized, and seeds can be soaked in mild disinfectants. Small seeds are scattered on the soil surface, while larger seeds are spaced evenly.
Spring and autumn, with their temperature swings, are the best times to sow seeds because they boost germination and growth. After sowing, we cover pots with glass for warmth and air circulation and carefully monitor moisture, light, and ventilation as seedlings grow.
Cuttings: Quick and Reliable Propagation
Cuttings are another straightforward method. The best time is May to June, though in greenhouses, we can do this all year. We prepare well-draining soil with materials like vermiculite, perlite, coarse sand, and leaf compost. Selecting healthy, mature stems, we cut sections with a sterilized tool and let them dry for 5-7 days.
For stubborn varieties, dipping the base in rooting hormone helps increase success. When planting, we shallowly place the cutting in the soil, support it if it bends, and gently press the soil around it.
Aftercare: Helping Our Cacti Thrive
Watering should keep the soil slightly moist but never soggy. Overwatering causes rot. Covering the container with plastic reduces moisture loss until roots form in about a month. Young cacti need shade until roots develop, after which we gradually introduce normal sunlight. Seasonal care matters: spring and autumn require temperature differences, summer needs ventilation, and winter benefits from warmth and gentle light.
Common Pests and Diseases
Cacti face threats like rot, insects, and small animals. Rot often comes from overwatering or poor drainage. If spotted, we remove diseased tissue, dust with sulfur or charcoal, and adjust watering. Preventive sprays can help, but ventilation is key. For pests like scale insects or red spider mites, we apply specific insecticides.
Snails and slugs can be deterred with lime or special pellets, and ants or cockroaches managed with traps or baits. Regular monitoring ensures our cacti stay healthy and strong.
Final Thoughts
Lykkers, propagating cacti is more than gardening—it's a way to connect with nature and witness life unfold. From grafting and division to seeds and cuttings, each method teaches patience, observation, and care. By learning these techniques, we can nurture thriving plants and watch our green friends multiply. Let's enjoy every spiky, charming step of this journey together!
HOW TO PROPAGATE CACTUS EASY & FAST
Video by Succulents Box
