Story: Propagating Cacti from Cuttings
Episode: 11
Presenter: Neville Passmore
Air Date: 11th May 2024

Have cacti at home and want even more? Neville shows us how to propagate these little succulents.

• Cacti are easily propagated by making cuttings, a practice popularized by enthusiasts, but also contributing to the removal of iconic saguaro cacti from their native landscapes.
• To propagate a cactus, cut it off at the base, let it dry out for a week, then replant it. Handling the thorny stem requires wrapping it in polystyrene for protection.
• Various cacti can be propagated using this method, including the penis cactus, dragon fruit, candelabra or San Pedro cactus, prickly pear cactus, ornamental cacti like the white Monkey Tail, and the Rhodocactus, which has year-round leaves.
• For cuttings, marking the top end with an arrow ensures correct orientation during planting. Making horizontal cuts at the base and slanting cuts at the top can aid in planting.
• Cuttings should be dried out before planting in a mix of perlite (80%) and cocopeat (20%). The best time for making cuttings is during the warmer seasons when the plants are actively growing.
• This method of cactus propagation can inspire enthusiasts to try creating new plants for their own gardens, adding diversity and beauty to their landscapes.