To propagate your Christmas cactus, cut off at least three stem segments and place them into a small pot of soil (preferably taken from the pot of the parent plant). Bury at least one segment. Care for the cutting as a mature plant and it should take root in 4 to 6 weeks. Keep the soil moist until germination and then move them to a sunny location with protection from noonday sun. Mist the soil when caring for star cactus babies as overhead watering can damage the tender tissues. They will need to be kept moist until the seedling is robust and at least ½ inch (1.2 cm.) tall. Starfish flower cactus may produce amazing five-petaled flowers that exude a rather unpleasant odor. The scent attracts flies and other insects, which pollinate the blooms. Flowers are red to brown and may be mottled with a couple of colors. Stapelia is the family name of the starfish flower cactus. The “ gigantea ” is the most commonly Sow seeds in a location with fast-draining soil where they will receive full sunlight. Cactus potting mix can be used to fill containers. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, and tamp it down gently. Keep the soil warm and slightly moist until they germinate and seedlings emerge, which can take up to two weeks. Add Gravel. Start your cactus planter out with a wide dish that is at least 3 inches deep. To ensure proper drainage of your garden, pour a 1-inch layer of pea gravel into the bottom of the dish. Doing so will help water drain faster out of the bottom of the pot so your plants aren't sitting in too much moisture. Mist the soil regularly for a month or so and then give the cuttings a slight tug. If you feel any resistance, that means they’ve rooted and can be switched to a normal watering schedule. You can also place cuttings back into the mother plant’s pot for a fuller look. p1zz. Let it sit comfortably on the part that you cut. Hold them together with a string or rubber band vertically, wrapping it around your plant and pot to keep everything in place. Within 6 to 8 weeks, your plants should be growing together as one! Just be sure to keep an eye for any pests or rot at the time. Add a small amount of fertilizer diluted in water in the spring to jump-start new growth, but do not add it any other time of year. Good luck cactus is slow-growing and can easily be over-fertilized. Water infrequently. Once every two to three weeks should be sufficient during its growth cycle, and during its dormant phase it does not need The easiest way to get rid of them is to re-pot the plant. Dust off the gnats and allow the soil to dry. To get rid of mealybugs, spray them with rubbing alcohol. Although it may seem like a lot of work to grow cacti and succulents, once you have done the base work, they are easy to grow and enjoy. Once the plant has reached maximum desired size, trim the outer leaflets of the entire plant to maintain its shape and size. How to Get Your Easter Cactus to Bloom. Your Easter cactus need equal amounts of dark and light for eight weeks prior to their spring blooming season. At night, aim for cooler and drier conditions, ideally around 50˚F. Ideally, it prefers to be in temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and above. The cactus is fine in low to moderate humidity levels. But high humidity can cause the soil to retain too much moisture, leading to root rot. So in humid conditions, careful watering and excellent soil drainage are essential.

how to take care of cactus plants