If there’s one indoor favourite that never fails to impress South Africans during the festive season, it’s the Christmas cactus. With its arching green stems and luminous flowers, this tropical beauty brings colour to even the dullest corner. The best part? You can create a whole collection from one plant – at no extra cost. 

Propagation sounds technical, but it’s delightfully simple. With a few easy steps, you can turn a single specimen into a cluster of flowering treasures that keep your home bright year after year. 

Read more: When and how to repot your Christmas cactus succulents 

When to start

The ideal moment to multiply your Christmas cactus is shortly after its seasonal display finishes. Once the last blooms drop and new growth appears, your plant is ready to share. 

Rooting in soil

Soil propagation is straightforward and reliable – perfect for beginners. 

  1. Snip a firm, healthy stem made up of two or three joined sections. 
  2. Leave it on a counter for two days so the cut end can dry. 
  3. Fill a small pot with a loose, gritty mix suitable for succulents. 
  4. Tuck the base of the cutting about a centimetre into the soil. 
  5. Place the pot somewhere bright but out of direct sun. 
  6. Keep the mix lightly moist – never soggy. 

In a few weeks, the cutting will settle in and send out roots, ready to grow into a full plant. 

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Rooting in water

If you love watching roots develop, this method is wonderfully satisfying. 

  1. Prepare the cutting the same way as above. 
  2. Fill a clean jar with water and cover the top with cling wrap. 
  3. Make a small slit and slide the stem through so the end just touches the water. 
  4. Place the jar in gentle light and replace the water every few days. 
  5. Once the roots reach about 2 – 3cm, move the cutting into soil. 

Water rooting is charming, but soil will ultimately give your new plant strength and stability. 

Dividing a larger plant

If your cactus has grown into a dense, overflowing pot, you can separate it. 

  1. Ease the plant from its container. 
  2. Gently tease it apart where natural gaps appear. 
  3. Repot each piece into fresh mix. 
  4. Keep the soil slightly damp and offer bright, indirect light. 

This technique gives you instant, fuller plants without waiting for cuttings to root. 

Caring for your new plants

Freshly propagated Christmas cacti appreciate consistent, gentle care. Keep them warm, encourage light without harsh sun, and never allow the soil to dry out completely. A light feed from spring to early autumn helps them build strength for future flowering. 

Once your plant has a solid root system, move it to a slightly bigger pot. Make a small hole, settle the roots inside, and press the soil firmly around them. Ensure the top of the mix sits level with the base of the lowest segment. 

When summer arrives, they can enjoy a holiday outdoors – as long as you ease them into brighter conditions slowly. Start in a shaded spot, then gradually move them into stronger light. 

Multiplying your Christmas cactus is quick, budget-friendly, and deeply rewarding. Before you know it, your home will be dotted with cascading green stems and cheerful blooms – all grown from your very first plant. 

ALSO SEE: HOW OFTEN TO WATER POINSETTIA SO IT THRIVES BEYOND CHRISTMAS

How often to water Poinsettia so it thrives beyond Christmas