CACTUS question!!!!! please give advise?

Question

i have a cactus that has a lot of flat leaves...

can i take its leaves and plant them?

will they grow?

thankyou

Answer 1

The plant you have shown is -

Easter Cactus

Scientific Name: Hatiora gaertneri (Regel) W. Barthlott

Synonym: Epiphyllopsis gaertneri, Epiphyllum russellianum var. gaertneri, Rhipsalis gaermeri, Schlumbergera gaertneri, Epiphyllum makoyanum, Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri, Epiphyllum gaertneri

Family: Cactaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:

sunset: 16,17,21-27

USDA: 10-12

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 28°F (-2°C)

Minimum Avg. Temperature: 55°F (12°C)

Sun Exposure: Light shade

Origin: Brazil

Growth Habits: Succulent epiphytic cactus

Watering Needs: Regular water, keep soil evenly moist

Propagation: Cuttings ....

The things that you call leaves are in fact " Stem" and "Branches" of the plant .

Question== have a cactus that has a lot of flat leaves...

can i take its leaves and plant them?

will they grow?

Answer == Yes by all means . In fact that is the quickest way to prpagate it .

But what you call leaves are in fact branches and are good for cuttings

If you cut them and plant and keep the soil moist ( Not water logged) then it will grow roots and establish it self in the soil as a new plant .

The soil must have good aeration and drainage .

ADDITIONAL    INFORMATION    BELOW -

Family: Cactaceae

Genus: Hatiora

Species: gaertneri

Synonym:Schlumbergera gaertneri

Synonym:Epiphyllopsis gaertneri

Synonym:Epiphyllum gaertneri

Synonym:Epiphyllum russellianum var. gaertneri

Synonym:Rhipsalidopsis gaertneri

Category:

Tropicals and Tender Perennials

Cactus and Succulents

Height:

12-18 in. (30-45 cm)

Spacing:

9-12 in. (22-30 cm)

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)

USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)

USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Sun Exposure:

Light Shade

Bloom Color:

Pink

Rose/Mauve

Scarlet (Dark Red)

Bloom Time:

Late Winter/Early Spring

Mid Spring

Foliage:

Succulent  stem and branches . turn woody on age .No true leaves as the branches are flat green and do photosynthesis .

( A common feature for all cacti )

Other details:

This plant is suitable for growing indoors

Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Soil pH requirements:

5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)

6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)

Propagation Methods:

From woody stem cuttings

From softwood cuttings

Allow cut surface to callous over before planting

Seed Collecting:

Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds