The Best Way To Propagate A Thanksgiving Cactus For An Endless Supply Of Free Plants

The Thanksgiving cactus (Schlumbergera truncata) is a colorful houseplant that perks up your indoor space when it flowers over the colder months. Easy to care for and beautiful to look at, it is a favorite among many houseplant lovers. But did you know that you can propagate your Thanksgiving cactus and get an endless supply of free plants? All you need is a healthy plant, potting mix, pots, and clean scissors.

Thanksgiving cacti are one of the easiest plants to propagate from cuttings, as they tend to root easily. They can be propagated throughout the year, but they typically do best when propagated in the spring or summer months after flowering has finished. Before propagating your plant, have a look over it for any signs of disease or pest problems, as it is essential to start with a healthy plant that is growing vigorously. 

Once you have confirmed its health, take cuttings of two to five flat segments from the plant. Then, leave the cuttings out overnight to allow the open edges to callus over. Plant the cuttings upright in pots filled with perlite or coarse sand the following day, ensuring that each cutting is buried about an inch deep. You can place multiple cuttings in one pot, planting them around the edge in a circular shape. Once they are in the potting mix, water them thoroughly.  

After planting them, you will need to place your Thanksgiving cactus cuttings in a brightly lit location, but out of direct sunlight, and keep them at an ideal temperature around 65 to 69 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye on your cuttings over the following weeks and water the potting mix when it starts to dry out. It will take around 6 to 8 weeks for your Thanksgiving cacti cuttings to root. 

After 6 or 8 weeks, you can check to see if your cuttings are rooted by giving them a gentle tug. If there is some tension, they have rooted. Once they have confirmed roots, it's time to repot your cuttings in individual containers filled with well-draining potting mix. Then, place each of your new Thanksgiving cacti in a warm room that has bright light during the winter months and high humidity. Fertilize your plants every month during the growing season and water sparingly. With a little bit of patience and care, your new Thanksgiving cacti will settle in and establish themselves, and your home will be filled with beautiful indoor flowers every winter.