Where to Find Christmas Cactus Cuttings for Sale

Christmas cacti with their colorful, cascading blooms are a popular holiday plant. Their botanical name is Schlumbergera, and they are native to the coastal mountains of southeastern Brazil. If you want to get a Christmas cactus of your own, one easy way is to find cuttings for sale and root them yourself. Here are some tips on where to find quality cuttings and how to successfully root them.

Buying Cuttings on Etsy

Etsy is a great place to find Christmas cactus cuttings for sale Many sellers on Etsy specialize in unique, hard to find varieties. A few things to look for when buying cuttings on Etsy

• Read seller reviews – Check that the seller has good reviews from previous buyers. This helps ensure you’ll get viable, healthy cuttings.

• Well-packaged – Quality sellers will package cuttings to prevent damage during shipping, Avoid sellers who just stick cuttings in a plain envelope

• Reasonable shipping – Shipping costs vary, but be wary of sellers charging excessive shipping fees. Most cuttings can ship affordably.

• Photos – Look for sellers who post pictures of the actual cuttings for sale, not just stock photos. This lets you see exactly what you’ll receive.

• Variety information – The seller should provide details on the Christmas cactus variety so you know what you’re getting. Look for information on flower color, growth habit, etc.

With thousands of Etsy listings, you’re sure to find beautiful Christmas cactus cuttings for your collection. Allow extra time for shipping so you can root the cuttings well before the holidays.

Finding Cuttings on eBay

In addition to Etsy, eBay is another excellent source of Christmas cactus cuttings for sale. Here are some tips for finding quality cuttings on eBay:

• Check seller feedback – Avoid sellers with poor feedback. Look for 98% positive ratings or higher.

• Determine if rooted or unrooted – Listings should specify whether cuttings are rooted or unrooted. Both can work but may require different care.

• Review return policy – In case cuttings arrive damaged, make sure the seller has a return policy. Many eBay sellers offer 30 day returns.

• Research shipping method – Cuttings shipped in 1-3 days are less likely to be damaged than slow shipping.

• Compare prices – eBay shows you similar listings so you can get an idea of fair pricing for the variety.

• Check photos – Again, actual images of the cuttings help ensure quality. Beware vague stock images.

eBay has a huge selection of Christmas cactus cuttings at very reasonable prices. With the right seller, it can be a great source for unusual varieties.

Joining Online Sale Groups

Beyond Etsy and eBay, another option is to join groups online where people sell Christmas cactus cuttings. Here are a few popular ones:

• Facebook groups – Search for terms like “Christmas cactus cuttings for sale” and you’ll find very active Facebook groups. Members frequently post their available cuttings.

• Garden forums – Forums like Garden.org have sections for buying and selling plants. You can create “ISO” (in search of) posts requesting Christmas cactus cuttings.

• Reddit – Subreddits like r/TakeaPlantLeaveaPlant are all about trading plants. Make an “ISO” post and plant lovers will offer cuttings.

• Plant swap sites – Sites like Plantswap.uk provide lists of cuttings people are giving away or selling.

These online plant communities are full of generous green thumbs willing to share cuttings. Just be sure to follow proper packaging and shipping guidelines when trading plants by mail.

Rooting Your New Cuttings

Once you secure some Christmas cactus cuttings, you’ll need to root them before displaying them in the holidays. Here are some tips for successful propagation:

• Use a well-draining soil – Rooting mix or perlite work better than standard potting soil.

• Provide bright, indirect light – A spot near a sunny window is ideal. Direct sun can scorch tender new cuttings.

• Keep the soil barely moist – Don’t overwater or allow cuttings to dry out completely.

• Maintain warm temperature – Around 70°F is optimal. Cool temperatures delay rooting.

• Allow 4-6 weeks for roots – Be patient. Check for roots by gently tugging on cuttings.

• Transplant once rooted – Move cuttings into individual pots once roots are 1-2 inches long.

Follow these tips, and your new Christmas cactus cuttings will root up quickly. Then you’ll have beautiful, blooming holiday plants you propagated yourself for free.

Finding Christmas cactus cuttings for sale is a fun way to expand your collection. Check Etsy, eBay, online plant groups, and plant trading sites for sellers offering these festive holiday cacti. Take care when shipping and rooting your new cuttings, and soon you’ll have lush, flowering specimens.

Both water and soil propagation methods can be successful for Christmas cactus, and the “better” method often comes down to personal preference and experience. Water propagation allows for easy root observation, while soil propagation skips the transplanting step.

Two key factors trigger a Christmas cactus to bloom: cooler temperatures and long nights (or reduced light).