The Easter cactus is one of those wonderfully low-maintenance houseplants that just keeps on giving. It’s not a heavy feeder, and honestly, you don’t even need to worry about regular pruning. As long as you give it a bright, warm spot to call home, it’ll be happy. However, if your cactus is getting a bit unruly or you want to start some new plant babies from cuttings, there are a few tips you should keep in mind.
The Quick Essentials:
- No regular maintenance pruning is required.
- You can trim it back if it gets too large for its space.
- Cuttings should be at least four inches (ten centimeters) long.
- Make sure each cutting has at least two segments.
- Always use a sharp, clean knife to prevent infection.
Taking Cuttings with Care
The delicate segments of an Easter cactus can snap off pretty easily, so you’ll want to use a gentle touch. Be extra careful about timing, too—pruning at the wrong time can mess with the blooming cycle. Never take cuttings once you see those first flower buds starting to form. During this stage, the plant is super sensitive and might drop all its buds if it gets stressed. The golden rule? Always wait until after the flowering season is over before you start snipping.
Trimming an Overgrown Easter Cactus
If your cactus has outgrown its welcome but you aren’t ready to repot it into a larger container, a light trim is a great alternative. Again, wait until the flowers have faded and move slowly. To really manage the size, you might need to trim back some of the roots, but you can also shorten the stems. Just use a sharp, sterilized knife to remove a few segments. The best part? Those trimmings can be turned right into new plants!
Starting Your New Plants
If you’re looking to propagate your Easter cactus, aim for cuttings that have two or three segments. After you cut them, let them air-dry for a day or so to “callus” over. Then, tuck them into some cactus mix or a DIY blend of two parts potting soil to one part sand. For the best results, place your new cuttings in a mini-greenhouse or cover them to keep the humidity high and the temperature around 70°F (20°C).
