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You can start a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting easily, and it’s one of the most rewarding ways to grow more of these stunning holiday plants.
Starting a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting is a simple process that any gardener can master, even if you’re a total beginner.
These plants are incredibly forgiving, and with just a small piece of stem, you can grow a brand new Thanksgiving cactus that will bloom for years to come.
In this post, we’ll walk you through exactly how to start a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting, the best time to take your cutting, and the care your new plant will need to thrive.
Let’s dive right in and get your new cactus started.
Why Start a Thanksgiving Cactus From a Cutting?
Starting a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting is not just easy—it’s also the smartest way to multiply your collection.
When you start a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting, you’re creating an exact clone of the parent plant, meaning you’ll get the same gorgeous flower colors and growth habits.
Plus, taking cuttings is a fantastic way to share plants with friends or save a beloved plant that might be getting too large.
And unlike growing from seed, which takes years to bloom, starting a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting will reward you with flowers much sooner.
Here’s why this method works so well.
1. It’s Incredibly Simple and Cost-Effective
You don’t need fancy equipment or a greenhouse to start a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting.
All you require is a healthy parent plant, a clean knife or scissors, and a small pot with some well-draining soil.
This method costs almost nothing compared to buying a new plant from a nursery.
And since Thanksgiving cactus cuttings root readily, you’ll have a high success rate even on your first try.
2. You Get Faster Results Than Other Propagation Methods
When you start a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting, the rooted plant will typically bloom within a year or two.
That’s a huge advantage over starting from seeds, which can take three to five years to produce flowers.
Cuttings also mature into full, bushy plants faster because they skip the fragile seedling stage.
This means you’ll enjoy those vibrant pink, red, or white blooms sooner rather than later.
3. It Preserves the Exact Look of the Parent Plant
If you have a Thanksgiving cactus with a rare or stunning flower color, starting a new plant from a cutting guarantees you’ll get the exact same flower.
Seeds can produce plants that look completely different from their parents due to cross-pollination.
But a cutting is a genetic copy, so the offspring will be identical in every way.
This is why propagating via cuttings is the preferred method for serious cactus lovers.
How to Start a Thanksgiving Cactus From a Cutting
Now that you’re convinced, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to start a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting properly.
The process involves a few key steps, from choosing the right cutting to planting it correctly.
Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll see roots in just a few weeks.
Step 1: Choose the Right Time and the Right Cutting
The best time to take a cutting is in late spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing.
Avoid taking cuttings during the blooming season or in the dormant winter months, as the plant’s energy is focused elsewhere.
Look for a healthy stem segment that has at least three or four leaf-like sections, called phylloclades.
Make sure the cutting is firm and free from any signs of disease or pests.
A healthy cutting will root much faster than a weak or damaged one.
Step 2: Take the Cutting Cleanly
Using a clean, sharp knife or pair of scissors, cut the stem at a joint between leaf segments.
Making a clean cut is crucial because jagged or torn edges can invite rot and disease.
You can also gently twist off a segment at the joint, which often leaves a cleaner break than cutting.
Whichever method you choose, just ensure your tool is sterilized with rubbing alcohol to prevent infection.
Once you have your cutting, set it aside in a dry, shaded spot.
Step 3: Let the Cutting Callus Over
This is a critical step that many people skip when they try to start a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting.
Allow the cut end to dry out and form a callus for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Place the cutting on a paper towel in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
This callusing process seals the wound and reduces the risk of rot when you plant it.
It also encourages stronger root growth once the cutting is in the soil.
Step 4: Plant the Cutting in the Right Soil
After the cutting has callused, it’s time to plant it in a small pot with drainage holes.
Use a well-draining cactus or succulent potting mix, or make your own by mixing regular potting soil with perlite or coarse sand.
Insert the callused end about half an inch to an inch deep into the soil.
Firm the soil gently around the base so the cutting stands upright.
Don’t water it immediately, as the cutting needs a few more days to settle before getting moisture.
Step 5: Provide the Ideal Environment for Rooting
Place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight.
A north or east-facing window is perfect, as direct sun can scorch the developing cutting.
Keep the temperature between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C) for optimal rooting.
After about four to five days, you can begin lightly misting the soil surface to keep it slightly moist.
Be careful not to overwater, as Thanksgiving cactus cuttings are prone to rot in soggy conditions.
Caring for Your Newly Rooted Thanksgiving Cactus
Once your cutting has rooted, which usually takes three to six weeks, you’ll need to provide proper care to help it grow strong.
You’ll know the cutting has rooted when you feel slight resistance when you gently tug on it.
Now that you know how to start a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting, you also need to know how to keep it thriving.
1. Watering Routine After Rooting
Once roots are established, water your new cactus when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
During the growing season (spring and summer), water more frequently, but always let the soil dry out between waterings.
In the fall and winter, reduce watering to encourage the bloom cycle.
Overwatering is the most common way to kill a Thanksgiving cactus, so when in doubt, wait a day.
2. Light and Temperature Needs
Your rooted cutting will thrive in bright, indirect light for most of the year.
However, to trigger blooming in the fall, it needs around 12 to 14 hours of complete darkness each night for six to eight weeks.
Keep it away from drafts, heating vents, and cold windows, as sudden temperature changes can cause bud drop.
A steady temperature between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C) is ideal for flower development.
3. Fertilizing for Strong Growth
About a month after your cutting has rooted, you can start a light feeding schedule.
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every two to four weeks during the growing season.
Stop fertilizing in October to allow the plant to prepare for its winter bloom.
This simple care routine will ensure your Thanksgiving cactus grows into a lush, flowering beauty.
So, How to Start a Thanksgiving Cactus From a Cutting?
You can start a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting by following the simple steps we’ve outlined here.
Take a healthy stem segment, let it callus over, and plant it in well-draining soil with the right light and moisture.
With a little patience and proper care, your cutting will root and grow into a thriving new plant.
Starting a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting is a fun, rewarding project that any plant lover can enjoy.
Now that you know how to start a Thanksgiving cactus from a cutting, you can propagate as many as you like.
Whether you’re expanding your own collection or sharing cuttings with loved ones, this method is foolproof and fulfilling.
So grab a healthy parent plant, follow these steps, and watch your new Thanksgiving cactus grow.
Happy planting, and enjoy your beautiful new blooms.