A GUIDE TO CACTUS PROPAGATION
Welcome to Barry’s guide to cactus propagation, where we will show you how to grow these spiky wonders yourself in various ways!
Cuttings: Great for cactus with segmented parts or multiple leaves and also any of your spiky pals that have had unfortunate accidents. Pop on your gardening gloves, and gently remove a healthy stem or segment from the main body of the cactus. Give it time to callus over, making sure the cut is exposed to the air, this process may take days or up to a few weeks. Next use some fresh cactus potting soil in a new pot and plant the cutting callus end down in the soil. Water thoroughly (but make sure the water is draining) and position in a sunny spot to take root!
Grafting: Grafting a cactus is like performing a botanical surgery, fusing two cacti together to create a new and unique plant. Start by selecting a healthy, mature cactus as the rootstock, which will provide the strong foundation for the grafted cactus. Then, choose a different cactus variety as the scion, which will be grafted onto the rootstock. Using a sharp, sterile knife make a clean, slanted cut through both the rootstock and the scion. Carefully align the cuts and join them together, ensuring good contact between the two. Secure them with grafting tape or rubber bands. Place the grafted cactus in a warm, bright location and protect it from direct sunlight. With time and care, the two cacti will heal and grow together!
Pollinating: Look for your cactus to produce its colourful, delicate flowers. Then, take a small paintbrush and gently transfer pollen from one flower to another. Once the pollination dance is done, the magic happens, and soon you'll see little fruit or seeds starting to form which you can then germinate.
Germinating: Grow your own cactus from seeds collected from your existing plants or from a garden centre. Begin by filling a seed tray or a small pot with a cactus soil mix. Sprinkle the cactus seeds evenly on top of the soil, keeping them apart to allow space for growth. Gently press the seeds into the soil. Mist the soil with water until it's moist but not soaked. Cover the tray or pot with a clear plastic dome or a plastic wrap to create a greenhouse effect. Place it in a warm and brightly lit area, but avoid direct sunlight. Check the moisture regularly and mist if needed. The cactus seeds will gradually awaken, pushing their way through the soil, ready to embark on their prickly journey of growth!
