Anybody knowledgeable about cactus cuttings?

[fotofashion]

To handle cactus, take several pieces of newspaper and fold them together into a long, narrow band. That way you can wrap the band around the cactus and have the band to tighten around the cutting while having a handle to move it with. Gloves may or may not help, depending on the spines. I don't use either. For some reason, I am able to handle cactus and not get hurt. I guess it is because I have pricked my fingers so much doing hand sewing that I don't have much feeling left.
I would not cut the piece you have into too small sections.
Be careful with the watering until you see signs of new growth.
For those of you familiar with this particular cactus-would nicking it at regular intervals and just laying in on adequate dirt work instead of cutting it up?
Whatever, I hope you have success with your endeavor.
Beverly A.

[Grandma M]

I have become interested in 'playing' with some Epiphyllum. I am a complete novice at this. They looked interesting so I decided to try a couple. I also ordered two yellow Christmas cactus. I ordered two cuttings of each but was sent from 3 to 5 of each. I was also sent a cutting from 2 different varieties. Because I don't know what I'm doing, I put all the plants of each of the varieties together in one pot. They have been potted up now for about 4 weeks and I think they will all survive...so far so good.

Any advice you can give me would be helpful. I do know that I need to leave them outdoors until the temps get into the low 40s.

If they all survive, I'm in trouble. I may need to make cactus soup.

He did send me a spent flower from one of the freebys so I can see what it is. Epi 'Lloyd Pittman'



Marilyn

[fotofashion]

There is a good, informative group that specializes in Epis and other cactus. epiforums.com
The members are knowledgeable and helpful.
Beverly A.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Grandma M

I have become interested in 'playing' with some Epiphyllum. I am a complete novice at this. They looked interesting so I decided to try a couple. I also ordered two yellow Christmas cactus. I ordered two cuttings of each but was sent from 3 to 5 of each. I was also sent a cutting from 2 different varieties. Because I don't know what I'm doing, I put all the plants of each of the varieties together in one pot. They have been potted up now for about 4 weeks and I think they will all survive...so far so good.

Any advice you can give me would be helpful. I do know that I need to leave them outdoors until the temps get into the low 40s.

If they all survive, I'm in trouble. I may need to make cactus soup.

He did send me a spent flower from one of the freebys so I can see what it is. Epi 'Lloyd Pittman'



Marilyn

I got some epiphyllum cuttings last summer - potted them - put them in a spot outdoors with direct light only very early and very late in the day. All are growing very well They're like Christmas cactus - very easy to root. In fact - one of the larger cuttings broke more than once - and I stuck the broken pieces in a bit of sphag and they have taken off too They now are in some afternoon sun for a couple hours.

Mine stay outside with the Christmas cacti year round taking short periods (a few hours at night) down to freezing on occasion - tho they are sheltered and near the house.

[tim abbott]

I cut off 4 sections of the cactus plant I found & let them dry for a couple of weeks. Below is a picture of the potted group. It has been 2 days now, so I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[WhiteRabbit]

Cool - thanks for the update!