Okay, I know this should probably be on the prop. forum, but I don't know if ya'll go there.

I keep hearing how easy it is to propagate succulents, and have a couple of minor successes, but am really having a tough time with some of the cactus pieces I've gotten in past few months - nothing, nada, zippo have rooted.

Do you think they need heat to root? Am I just doing it at the wrong time of the year? HOLP!!!

I think they resume their active growth in Spring. Maybe they are like in a dormant mode right now.

I need some help! I am new trying to propagate Schlumbergera. I did a lot of reading and learned you need to cut and plant the new cutting but one of my cacti is sending what looks like roots..
Can someone tell me if they are roots and what is the best way to replant them without destroying them.
Thank you!

Thanks, Tarev - that's the only thing I can think of as well.

jmichel, I'm going to bow out on this one - my success with the Schlumbergeras has been pretty limited as well!

They are aerial roots. Don't be concerned with them. Take cuttings consisting of 2 or 3 stem segments (phyllocades), let them dry or callous for a few days (some only let them dry for a few hours) and stick them into some fast draining mix. Water but not to the point of waterlogging them. They should root in about 4 to 5 weeks. This is my experience. Others may have differences.

Forty five weeks???? Please tell me you forgot a dash!!!!

Although that would certainly explain my lack of success!!!

Yep, forgot the dash. Well, can't get it to take on my keyboard at the moment. Grrrr...

Yes, 45 weeks is a bit long, Tee! If they already have roots, they are raring to go; just twist them off at the join, don't cut them (or I don't at least) and they'll be filling the pot in no time - for a fuller pot, with better balanced growth, use three to five cuttings in the same pot.

Again, the dash on my keyboard isn't working. I corrected that the day before yesterday.