How To Transplant A Cutting From A San Pedro Cactus

The San Pedro cactus grows naturally in areas of South America such as Southern Ecuador and Peru. The cactus can be grown either from seed or from a cutting. A cactus grown from a cutting will grow much faster. A cutting tends to grow about a foot a year. Once started, your San Pedro cactus will be a hardy and quick grower. The cactus can even withstand long periods without food or water.

Step 1

Sterilize your knife with rubbing alcohol before taking a cutting from your cactus. This will cut down on the possibility of your new plant becoming infected with disease.

Step 2

Cut off the top 1/3 of the tip of the cactus. Cuttings that are about 6 inches tall work the best for rooting. Begin in the spring or summer for the best results. Cactus are typically dormant in the winter and may root more slowly.

Step 3

Put your cutting in a cool and dark place until the bottom area where you cut forms a dry and hard scab. The scab should form in about two weeks.

Step 4

Mix equal parts perlite and potting soil together in a 10-inch pot. Fill the pot with the soil mixture until it is about 2/3 full.

Step 5

Dip the cut bottom of your cactus in rooting hormone for a few seconds, and then place your cactus on the surface of the soil with the side you cut facing downward. Add another 3 inches of the soil mixture around the base and sides of the cactus so that the bottom portion is buried in the soil.

Step 6

Moisten the soil slightly with water so that it is not dry. Cactus cuttings do not need water to root. Excessive water can cause rotting.

Step 7

Keep your planted cutting in an area with indirect sunlight. Make sure the temperature around your plant is maintained at about 60 degrees F to stimulate rooting.

Step 8

After one month, check if your San Pedro cactus has rooted. Stick your fingers in the soil around the plant to feel for root growth. Rooting can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Step 9

Give your cactus enough water to moisten the soil once roots form, and let the soil dry between watering. Fertilize your cactus with a 7-40-6 cactus fertilizer once roots form. Continue to fertilizer your plant once in the spring and summer.