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Livingetc
Livingetc
Oonagh Turner

How to propagate a Christmas cactus - 5 tips to making growing your own from cuttings so easy

Gina Easley /Alamy Stock Photo.

No, it's not a standard cactus that's been given a festive makeover, decorated with a string of tinsel, and topped with a crowning star. A Christmas cactus is actually a cheery plant that gets its name from the months it bursts into pink bloom. ‘Many gardening enthusiasts cherish the Christmas cactus for its ability to produce beautiful holiday blooms year after year,’ says Lina Cowley, a master botanist and senior editor at Trimmed Roots. Between late November to late January, the cactus, also known as Schlumbergera, comes into its own and seems to be celebrating the festivities in its own way with a display of bright pink bloom. 

I'm all for propagating plants, my favorite and biggest plants in my personal plant collection once took the form of small cuttings taken from generous friends' homes. The Christmas cactus is a hardy and resilient plant, and one of the easiest houseplants for beginners, making it the perfect plant to attempt propagating. What's more, turning one plant into many can also make a great gift idea. But how does one go about propagating and caring for this beloved houseplant? Let's take a closer look at exactly what's needed to help a Christmas cactus thrive. 

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