A great way to propagate new plants is through cuttings from an established plant, which may seem intimidating to new plant owners. Fortunately, propagating cacti is a simple process that even beginners can easily handle.

You can propagate a cactus yourself or grow one from a small trimming. It's low-maintenance and sustainable, benefiting the environment. Monstrose Cactus and Peruvian Apple Cactus thrive with this method. Cactus propagation is a simple and eco-friendly process that helps reduce waste.

If you want to try your hand at propagating a cactus you already have, rather than buying a trimming, identify a healthy piece of stem and cut it cleanly using scissors. Of course, you’ll want to use gloves or a tool (such as tongs) when handling a spiny cactus, such as the Monstrose or Peruvian Apple varieties. Set the trimming on a windowsill (or outside, but preferably in east or west sunlight) until the cut surface has healed.

Place the base of the cut stem in a sandy peat mix, deep enough to stand alone. Water with 8 – 16 ounces, adjusting for size and surroundings. For indoor plants, return pot to windowsill.

Your cutting roots and grows into a new plant, typically best done in summer but also successful in fall and spring. Propagation success rate increases when cuttings are taken from healthy, mature plants.

Caring for cacti involves avoiding overwatering. They need less water than expected, thriving with just monthly watering. Check soil moisture before watering, ensuring it's dry in between. A useful tip is for the soil to be completely dry two days after watering. To ensure optimal growth, place your cactus in a location with plenty of sunlight, as they thrive in bright, indirect light.

Growing new cacti isn’t only exciting because of their beauty, but the process is also important for the environment. Cacti serve several purposes, including removing toxins from the air we breathe. But unfortunately, the natural habitats for cacti (and many other plants) are increasingly in danger due to a variety of factors, ranging from overdevelopment to climate change. Propagating these plants not only creates new ones for us to enjoy, but doing so also helps the species’ survival.