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I have had the red Christmas cactus for more years than I care to remember. I don’t remember how many new plants have been started from the original plant my aunt gave me when I was 16.
It’s been a long time since repotting and the plant looked tired. So I deci
ded to do a root pruning and repot. I took 2 cuttings and put them in water to root. If I kill the plant with an inept root prune, I should have new plants to start – a little insurance so to speak.
I watered the plant thoroughly. I used a knife along the edg
es of the pot to loosen it. The root ball didn’t look too dense. I cut about ½ inch from 2 sides and the bottom. I put the plant back in the original pot filling in with new potting soil. After a thorough soak, the plant is back in the cool room that is its winter home. I’ll keep a close watch for the next few months and hope the plant is re-energized. 
(More information on Christmas cactus care from Penn State Extension.)
I have had the red Christmas cactus for more years than I care to remember. I don’t remember how many new plants have been started from the original plant my aunt gave me when I was 16.
It’s been a long time since repotting and the plant looked tired. So I deci
ded to do a root pruning and repot. I took 2 cuttings and put them in water to root. If I kill the plant with an inept root prune, I should have new plants to start – a little insurance so to speak.I watered the plant thoroughly. I used a knife along the edg
es of the pot to loosen it. The root ball didn’t look too dense. I cut about ½ inch from 2 sides and the bottom. I put the plant back in the original pot filling in with new potting soil. After a thorough soak, the plant is back in the cool room that is its winter home. I’ll keep a close watch for the next few months and hope the plant is re-energized. (More information on Christmas cactus care from Penn State Extension.)
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Hola Marie, so nice to learn how to divide and reproduce this plant!!!! Thank you very much for teaching us.
ReplyDeleteI will visit you again in March when I get back from holidays.
Muchos cariños,
Maria Cecilia
You're welcome, Maria Cecilia. I hope you have a wonderful holiday.
ReplyDeleteMarie, you're so good to your plants. Thanks for the root pruning lesson.
ReplyDeletedonna
You're welcome Donna. My houseplants don't always get treated this well. With the terrible weather this winter, I can't seem to get outside so the houseplants have to feed my gardening urges.
ReplyDelete