Orchid cacti seem like they’re super exotic. However, they are super common and easy to propagate. The cactus is called Orchid Cactus because of how it appears.
Cactus, in general, are incredibly hardy plants. However, the Orchid cactus has another expectation as opposed to just existing.
They are also meant to bloom and give rise to orchids. That’s a massive thing you would want in an orchid cactus.
Since these cacti are meant for blooms, it’s only necessary that you would like to have a flower along with it.
Many people enjoy having orchid cactus in their homes. Thus, it’s only fair that you feel like you need to propagate it.
Many times, propagating an orchid cactus and giving it to your friend can be a great gift that helps you add to the friendship.
There are also many ways to add to the overall spread of your cactus when you’re propagating.
People love cactus plants, but they’re not always sure how to propagate them, which is why we’re defining all the ways we can.
If you feel like investing in more orchid cactus plants, you may consider propagating them.
In the article below, we have tried to explain all the ways that you may do so in an easy manner.
Propagating an Orchid Cactus
The exotic-looking orchid cactus is easy to propagate from cuttings. You can choose a plump, healthy leaf and use clean shears.
You can also take a 7-inch section and cut it off diagonally. You should ensure that the cut occurs in the middle of the areoles.
Once you’ve done this, you can let the cutting heal in a cool and dry space for two weeks. Then, you can pot it.
Most cactus plants are propagated using cuttings. You can also propagate the Orchid Cactus using the same methods.
However, determining whether a flower may transpire might be challenging. The USDA has also defined specific zones where orchids can quickly grow.
You will have to check if your home falls into the USDA zone that caters to orchid cactus growth. Orchid cactuses are generally epiphytic and can grow on the ground.
There are many different types of species that you can choose from. All of these species can grow and have the exact requirements as each other.
Propagation Tips
Suppose you’re looking for tips on propagating the orchid cactus. As you decide that you want to proceed with propagation, you will first have to opt for a juicy and healthy shoot that you think you can procure from your cactus.
You can use different types of equipment from here. You could use any clean pair of scissors or pruning shears.
You must separate the sections from the rest of the cuttings. You can then allow the cutting to heal for 14 days, as we have stated above.
You can then place the cutting in a cool and dry location to keep it out of the sunlight.
You are then going to have to plant the cuttings. Find a pot at least 10 inches long with holes in the bottom.
Make sure that you have a pot that will hold your cuttings. The cactus can then bloom if placed in the right pot, and its roots are bound.
Binding the seeds can take an extended period. It can take you anywhere from two to three years.
When you’re done choosing the pot, you can add a lightweight cactus mix into the mix and make it better. You can also slightly moisten the soil if that’s what you need.
If you feel like this soil mix is too wet, you must add more mixture to it and dry it out.
Having a soil mix that is too wet means that you’ll have to deal with root rot, and that’s something you don’t want.
Root rot is tricky to eliminate, especially in an orchid cactus.
Orchid cacti are some of the most deeply intricate cacti that you can come across, which is why it’s necessary for you to not over water or underwater them.
Root rot can be insidious if you don’t tackle it.
Once you feel the soil has the proper moisture, you can plant the healed end of the cutting about 2 inches into the ground and hold it in place using the firm soil.
You will have to wait a bit if you plant the orchid cuttings. You don’t have to water them until they start developing roots.
You will also have to strictly take care of all the issues that may arise when it’s still growing.
You will then have to place the pot in a shady location and check after several weeks to see if the cuttings seem like they’re going to a proper place.
You can gently manipulate the cuttings to prevent them, and if you sense a bit of resistance, you can assure yourself that the roots are starting to develop.
You can also then begin watering the container.
How To Propagate a Massive Orchid Cactus
If you’re trying to make cuttings out of a massive orchid cactus, look no further, as we have just the methods for you.
There’s a possibility that you may want to propagate one plant from another massive one. If you want to, you can take the following measures.
First Method
One of the significant things you must do is ensure that you remove the plant from the pot and take some time to separate the soil and shake it off from the roots to examine them properly.
The larger plants generally consist of several cuttings; you must look at their roots and divide them super carefully.
You can do this and have as many separate plants as cuttings in the pot.
Second Method
If you’re looking for another way to propagate a massive orchid cactus, you can cut the orchid cactus plant into two by pruning shears.
It would be best if you took this time to allow the two halves to dry for two days before you report them.
After that, you can place your new orchid cactus in a shaded location for two weeks without having watered it. After two weeks, you can move them to a better location.
How To Take Care of An Orchid Cactus After Propagation
If you want to ensure that the orchid cactus can still survive after propagation, you must take care of it.
If you feel the propagation has been successful, you must move the container to a location that receives an average amount of sunlight.
If you feel like your location is scorching, you may have to move it to a place that allows a bit more shade.
But it’s also necessary that you don’t apply too much of anything.
If you keep the Orchid Cactus in a place where it seems like the cactus receives too much shade, then it may turn spindly.
The bloom production then decreases. You may burn the plant entirely if you go for cuttings that receive too much sun.
Orchid Cactus also has a preference for the amount of humidity that exists. You may have to mist the cuttings with water every few days.
When the cuttings manage to take root, you want to ensure that the soil is drier but not completely dry.
You may also have to water the plant every five days during growing seasons. You can also cut back down to 10 days when it’s winter.
How Should You Prune Your Orchid Cactus Plant?
Orchid cacti need to be pruned often to be healthy and whole. In general, you only need to prune something if the item is damaged or it begins to rot. You may want to prune your orchid back to encourage new growth in the veins.
It would help if you only used sterile tools to avoid transferring diseases from one part of your cactus to another.
It would be best if you also had clean tools so that the plant has less chance of getting an infection. You want to prune plants after flowering so that you don’t disturb any of the flowers.
How Should You Care for the Orchid Cactus During Winter?
You can take care of the orchid cactus during winter with relative ease. The succulent plants don’t appreciate the cold drafts, requiring them to have bright lights.
If you want to ensure that your orchid cactus get the best care possible during winter, then you would likely have to keep it in a super bright place.
You also want to ensure the temperature remains above 10 degrees Celsius so the plant can thrive.
Final Thoughts
Orchid Cactus is not difficult to take care of, but you need the right expertise and information to ensure that you can propagate your orchid cactus plants.
These plants are easy to take care of and propagate if you know what you’re doing. They’re also beautiful, meaning it would serve you well to understand how to breed them.
You also need to know how to take care of your orchid cactus once you’re done propagating them. You will have to take care of the water, the sunlight, and the temperature, to name a few things.
Also Read: –
