Cacti are one of the most amazing representatives of the plant world. Nature rewarded them with a wide variety of external signs, forms of existence, spectacular colors and sharp thorns.
Very quickly they won their niche in indoor floriculture, and now in the shops you can find the most exotic and rare species. Care and propagation of cacti is a rather troublesome matter, requiring attention and time. Initially, you should study the literature and advice of experienced cactus growers.
There are two ways that cacti can be propagated - this is seed and vegetative. The feasibility of using each of them largely depends on the experience of the grower, the capabilities, the type of plant. Vegetative propagation is most popular in room culture and consists in rooting cut cuttings or children of the mother plant.
Reproduction of cacti by children
Many cacti, as they grow, are covered with many shoots, shoots, which are called "children". They are reduced exact copies of the mother plant and are connected to it by a very thin jumper, therefore they often show off spontaneously. As a rule, at the base of such children already have their own small roots, getting on the substrate, they quickly take root.
In some cacti, the shoots sit tight to separate, some effort is required. The most important thing at this moment is not to damage the main plant. Rotate the baby along the longitudinal axis until it separates.
There are cacti that have lateral shoots, only they are by no means children. In structure and function, they can be compared with branches near a shrub. Vegetative propagation of cacti of this kind is more complicated, the separation process is difficult, since the junction with the mother plant is stronger and wider. Therefore, it makes sense to think about whether you need a second copy of the same. Cutting off the side shoot, you risk spoiling the appearance of an adult plant. Therefore, choose the attachment points that are most hidden from the eyes.
Cactus propagation by cuttings
This vegetative method is most relevant for epiphytic cacti, forming long unsegmented shoots (pictured below), as well as elongated and columnar species. In the first case, part of the branch is cut off in the place where there are no signs of lignification, but not in the widest section of the leaf.
Pillar-shaped and elongated cacti are propagated by cuttings cut transversely 10-15 cm long. The cut must be done with a sharp knife, and a chamfer at the edges for proper root formation from the middle part. In the same way, you can update old copies that have lost their decorativeness or disfigured, developing incorrectly. It is enough to cut off the apical part. Its length should be 2-3 times the diameter of the cut.
The old copy with the top removed should not be thrown away. With it, you can continue the propagation of cacti. It is used as a mother liquor, on which shoots are constantly formed. For example, as in the photo.
The rules of vegetative propagation
All manipulations during vegetative propagation are carried out only with sharp tools (scalpel, razor, knife) and disinfected. Make even cuts without nicks. After each manipulation, wipe with alcohol. The wounds formed during the separation of children are usually very small and do not need treatment, if the cut is large, then it is better to sprinkle it with activated (crushed) coal. In order for the propagation of cacti by cuttings to be successful, lubricate their slice with a root stimulant.
Independent segments, for example, like prickly pears, and children do not need to be dried. They can be rooted in prepared soil immediately. With the cuttings, the situation is different.
Extensive sections must be dried for two to three days in a warm place, without exposure to sunlight. Then you need to put them vertically in an empty pot or plastic container. It is desirable that the cuttings were as if in limbo. The period can last quite a long time, the wound should be tightened and covered with a crust. Do not rush to the landing, wait until the roots appear.
It is best to propagate cacti by cuttings and babies before the onset of the growing season or at its end.
Rooting kids and cuttings
If the children and cuttings are small, then it is enough to simply install them on a substrate, otherwise use a garter to a support stuck in the soil. It can be an ordinary pencil or a stick. Select the substrate in accordance with the type of cactus, if they are not too demanding, then the nutrient fraction of the mixture can be increased for more active and rapid development. Epiphytes are well rooted in moist sphagnum.
Keep the substrate constantly moist, but do not fill. Periodic spraying of plants is welcome . Epiphytes and other fast-growing cacti can be placed under the “cap”, thereby creating greenhouse conditions. Remember to leave a few ventilation holes.
Watch the growing cuttings and children, make sure that mold does not appear on the soil, as this can cause plants to rot. If this happens, then treat the surface with fungicidal preparations.
The vegetative method of propagation of the cactus is most optimal for beginner growers. The probability of a positive outcome is very high, especially with unpretentious species (echinopsis, mammillaria). Literally a month later, the plant starts to grow actively, and it requires the same care as adult specimens.
Common mistakes
Inexperienced cacti for cuttings from bushy cacti often choose either too young shoots or too old. The first are more beautiful, juicy, bright green, but at the same time too soft and unripe. They take root worse and often rot. For example, it makes no sense to root segments of prickly pear with rudimentary leaves instead of thorns, as in the photo.
The second option is too old shoots, which, so to speak, are not a pity. They are usually already lignified and also poorly rooted.
Advice
- Carry out all the manipulations carefully so as not to break the thorns (they do not grow back) and not to scratch the body of the cactus, since after this there are scars that spoil the appearance.
- Cactus cuttings and babies can be stored for a very long time, so they are easy to transport and even mail.
- Many epiphytic cacti on the shoots have aerial roots, which in nature they absorb moisture from the air, cling to a support. Such cuttings can simply be attached to the substrate, and the roots will sprout quickly into it.
- For successful rooting, use special drugs that accelerate root growth.
Seed cultivation
Far from all species can propagate in a vegetative way. Moreover, a plant grown from children and cuttings will never be as strong and perfect in all respects as obtained through the propagation of cacti by seeds. Such specimens are more resistant to disease.
Seed propagation of cacti at home requires certain skills and special equipment. By and large - this is the business of professionals. The technology is complex and painstaking. Perhaps only the most unpretentious cacti can be grown from seeds at home.
Use a fine-grained substrate composed of peat and sand. Seeds do not need to be buried, distribute them on the surface and cover the container with glass or a jar to create greenhouse conditions. The germination period stretches from several days to 3-4 weeks. At this time, it is important to maintain the desired moisture level, avoiding waterlogging or drying out.
The main problem with seed propagation is the development of fungi and mold, so use disinfected tools. Seedlings often need to be replanted, use ordinary tweezers for this.
Seed propagation tips
- The most optimal sowing dates are spring, the beginning of the growing season, only this way seedlings can grow and get stronger by winter. If you have a special hotbed, then the procedure can be carried out all year round.
- Store cactus seeds with your own hands in a tight but not sealed bag at a low positive temperature.
- Do not randomly pollinate different types of cacti. The decorative value of such hybrids will be practically zero.