CACTI FROM CUTTINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 263, 5 November 1932, Page 6 (Supplement)

CACTI FROM CUTTINGS.

Many succulent plants that produoe tree leaves; such as cotyledons, echeverias, rockea, crassulas, may be propagated by leaves. All that is necessary is to strip off the leaves at their base and insert them as cuttings in pots or pans of sandy soiL . They should be stood on a sunny shelf'in the greenhouse and have very little water, ag they decay sooner than dry up. In most cases" a young plant will make its appearance from the base of the leaf, and when sufficiently developed it can be potted singly. The varieties that are of globular growth are increased by seeds" but the loose-growing kinds, such as many of the cereus. and phylloeactus, can be readily increased by cuttings. Now is a good time to take cuttings, as the weather is warm and dry enough to prevent damping. In taking the cutting, which should he about 6in to 9in in length, see that it is without flower buds. It should be separated at a join and laid on a shelf or bench to dry before planting. The best compost is a mixture of equal parts loam, lime rubble, and sand. The cuttings will root in a sunny window of & dwelling house.