How to Prune a Christmas Cactus

Co-authored by Andi Xoch

Named after the time of year that they bloom in the Northern Hemisphere, Christmas cactus plants are beautiful and easy to maintain in the right conditions. The simple process of pruning can help grow a fuller, bushier plant, or decrease the size of your existing plant. With the proper preparation and pruning technique, you’ll be able to unlock the full potential of your Christmas cactus plant.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Stems

1
Take 1-2 segments from the plant if you want it to grow more fully. If you are pruning your plant to allow further growth, you don’t need to take much off the ends. In fact, you can remove up to ⅓ of your Christmas cactus if you want to reduce its size.^{[1]
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2
Take longer cuttings if you want to propagate. To grow another plant from your cutting, take Y-shaped cuttings from the mother plant.^{[2]
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Research source} Make sure the cuttings are around 3-4 segments long. These cuttings can be planted in different pots to grow as many new plants as you want.

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3
Wait until your cactus has bloomed before pruning. After blooming, your Christmas cactus will be entering a growth period and putting out new leaves. This is the best time to prune as it allows the cactus to branch out and grow more stems.^{[3]
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- If you are unable to prune it right away, you can continue to prune until late Spring.
4
Twist the plant at the gap between segments. Each segment is a rectangular shape with a joint at the end. The stem should easily break at this point as it is the weakest part of the plant. Make sure you twist quickly to avoid damaging the plant.
- If it doesn’t easily break, try using your thumbnail to separate the stem at the juncture.
- If twisting seems too harsh on the plant, you can trim it using garden clippers in the same place instead.
5
Collect the longer pieces of trimmed stems. Cuttings larger than two sections can be used to grow new cactus plants, a process known as propagating.^{[4]
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Research source} Discard any cuttings that are too short.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Rooting Your Cactus

1
Dry your cuttings for 2 days.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Andi Xoch
Plant Specialist
Expert Interview. 4 August 2021.} This helps the cut edge to heal slightly and avoids stem rot which occurs when there is excess moisture in the plant.^{[6]
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Research source} The cutting can be left to dry for up to 4 days.
2
Prepare smaller pots using soil mix with good drainage. A mixture of moist peat and sand soil will provide enough nutrients for your growing plant. It will also allow proper soil drainage which is very important for cactus growth.^{[7]
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Research source} You can also layer pumice on the bottom of your pot for additional drainage.
3
Insert each segment into the soil.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Andi Xoch
Plant Specialist
Expert Interview. 4 August 2021.} Make sure the cutting is about an inch deep to allow it to absorb enough moisture and nutrients.^{[9]
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Research source}If needed, you can place multiple cuttings per pot at this stage of the process.
4
Place your pot in a cool area with indirect sunlight. While it can easily adapt to low light conditions, your Christmas cactus will thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight as this can easily burn the cactus leaves.^{[10]
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- Water your cuttings sparingly to prevent rot.^{[11]
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5
Transplant your cuttings into a larger pot. After 2-3 weeks, your cutting will show growth at its tips. These are usually red in colour and a sign you can now transplant it into a bigger pot^{[12]
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Research source} Fill this with a loose mixture of potting soil. Alternatively, you can use the same soil as the mother plant.^{[13]
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- Don’t worry if your plant wilts at the beginning. This is normal and will subside once the plant gets used to its new home.^{[14]
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  Expert Source
  
  Andi Xoch
  Plant Specialist
  Expert Interview. 4 August 2021.}
- At this point, your plant can be exposed to more indirect sunlight.
6
Water your Christmas cactus frequently. Once your cutting has developed roots and new growth, it can retain water just as well as an adult plant. Ensure that the soil remains moist and care for your plant in the same way you would a mature cactus.^{[15]
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- Test the soil to see if it needs watering. Once the top layer of the soil feels dry to the touch, it is time to water again.
7
Repot your cactus every 3-4 years. Christmas cactus plants like to live in tight pots so don’t need to be repotted very often.^{[16]
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Research source} Repotting should be done after blooming in late winter or early spring.

Community Q&A

Question

What should be done with a very old (over 16 years) Christmas cactus? Can it be pruned back to 1/3 its size?

Community Answer

After the cactus blooms, you can prune back the branches. You should not prune it that much, as the cactus will lose too much water.
Question

Can I save a Christmas (Thanksgiving) cactus with some split brown stems - apparently root rot?

Woopygamer23

Community Answer

If one part of the plant is healthy, you can use a leaf to propagate a new plant.