Question
Can I take clippings from these plants and using a starter dip plant into a substance and have growth? What can I use to encourage growth? What starter soil should I use, etc, etc.?

Answer
Hi Jerry,

Use small clippings of 2 to 4 segments of the holiday cactus. Let the clippings callus over in the open air over night.

Use a porous potting mix that is half regular potting mix and half Cactus mix. Put some damp mix in a small terra cotta pot. Insert the clippings to a depth of about half of one segment in an upright position. Rooting hormone is optional.

A warm location with bright indirect light is best. Add a little water whenever the surface of the potting mix feels dry. After 4-6 weeks, you can increase the light a bit and apply a very dilute fertilizer monthly.

Do not repot the clippings. They will not start to grow very much until they are quite potbound. If you repot prematurely, the growth will stop. Good light, a tight pot, and proper watering are the keys to growth.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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