Growing Cactus from Pups?

Pghgirl40
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July 18, 20180 found this helpful

Is yours called a Moon Cactus--or at least that is how I know them?

If so, these can be grown from pups, but it can be challenging. They probably told you no, because they wanted to sell more.

You can carefully cut them off and put them in sand or cactus mix soil and start watering when they get roots. They take a very long time to root--can take up to 6 months!

There is a video that may help you www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk7CBMWl42M

Be safe!!

cybergrannie
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July 19, 20181 found this helpful

I guess I am going to be the one "out" here and say - no - you cannot grow the Moon cactus pups on their own.

• The reason you were told that you could not propagate the pups is because they can only be grafted onto another cactus such as the one you bought.
• I can hear everyone screaming that I do not know what I am talking about but I do this type grafting a lot and would dearly LOVE to be able to grow one of these little red pups in cactus soil.
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• Here are some comments from different garden/plant web sites:
• "Pure yellow, red, pink are mutants that lack any chlorophyll and live for only a little while without 'help' - that's where grafting comes in.
• Some other plants are grafted because they are slow growers but the Moon cactus is grafted because it produces no chlorophyll of its own and cannot live unless grafted onto another plant that produces chlorophyll."
• "Strangely, the plant is something of a mutant and lacks the ability to produce chlorophyll, which means they must be grafted onto a rootstock with that ability. Instructions for how to grow a moon cactus are similar to most succulents, but they are short lived for the family even with good care."
• "The moon cactus is usually sold already grafted in a process that removes the bottom of the Hibotan and the top of the rootstock cactus.
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  The two halves are set together at the cut ends and soon heal together. The life of the moon cactus can be extended by re-grafting it onto a fresh rootstock."
• Now, here is a video from YouTube that has the name "How to Propagate moon Cactus". You can watch the video if you wish but it is a complete waste of time as this just shows someone potting a Moon flower pup that does not know what they are talking about and definitely does not ever come back to show results.
• The reason I have this link is so you can see that people can say anything but that does not prove it is correct. The main point is for you to read the comments below the video so you can see what more knowledgeable people are saying.
• www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bvi4_YpP9EE
• If you want to grow more Moon flower cactus then you will need to learn how to graft the pups onto another cactus (which is kinda easy) but may take a little practice.

Sometimes people read some of the information on websites and do not always fully grasp what the writer is saying and it may seem like they are saying this or that can be done but maybe we missed a single word that changes the complete picture.

cybergrannie
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July 20, 20180 found this helpful

You can also check out this video but PLEASE read the comments below the video.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lk7CBMWl42M

 

crazytina37

July 20, 20180 found this helpful

Hi,

Thank you for the information. I know that the Internet is full of some (useful and non useful information). It could be put in a way that people don't understand (abit like me).

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I'm new to cactus. My nan used to have alot of them and many brings memory of her. So any help would be great.

I love the cactus plants for the unusual, the colours and the beautiful to just look at.

I would like to learn more about cactus plants as this is my first time to buy and grow cactus (though there's so many different types out there).

I would like to thank everyone for being patient aswell as understanding towards me. You all are great. Thanks again.

 

cybergrannie
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July 27, 20180 found this helpful

I hope you will not be disappointed with your cactus just because you happened to buy one that cannot be propagated as this type os in the minority.

I'm wondering if you would not enjoy working with succulents as I do not believe they are quite as finicky as cactus and they come in all sizes and colors.
These can be found at most big box stores in their plant centers and are usually inexpensive so you can experiment.
Try to find one that has a name but you can always come back here and ask a new question.
www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-propagate-cacti-succulents...

 

Judy
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July 18, 20180 found this helpful

You can. You have to remove the babies and let them harden off. Then you have to plant in well drained soil. Instructions are here www.gardeningknowhow.com/.../removing-cactus-pups.htm

crazytina37

July 19, 20180 found this helpful

Hi Judy.

Thank you for getting back quickly.

Thank you for the link. This is the first time I've taken pups from any cactus so very new to this.

 

rdgordon

November 19, 20190 found this helpful

Moon cactus can only be grafted on rootstock
Look at YouTube grafting moon cactus
For instructions