Propagation - Seeds or Cuttings

There are 2 methods to plant this fast growing cacti which is an epiphytes and has climbing vines. One is by seed and another by the cuttings of the branched stems. Planting by seed is not really recommended as it will take a longer time to grow whereas planting from the stem cutting is highly recommended.

The cuttings used are preferably from a mature plant that has bear fruit which would be approximately from 10 months - 15 months.

Cuttings waiting to be planted

The cuttings should be around the length of 12in - 18in and about 2 in in diameter. Of course any other size can be used, the mentioned size has been proven successful.

There are 2 ways to plant the cuttings. The first is to put the cutting on a shady area for a bout 7 days for it to dry before planting directly to the field or pots. The second method is to plant the cutting in the nursery bag and let the roots take place before transplanting to the field. Although it is not necessary, by dipping the ends in a suitable rooting hormone will accelerate rooting. Both methods can be used.

1st photo - Roots appearing only after about 5 days
2nd photo - Roots after 10 days

Once the roots take place the cuttings will start to grow and the rate is very fast +- 3cm per day, and many can produce fruit within 6 to 9 months. There is no difference between short or long cutting. However, since some cutting are longer than other, it can reached the top of the pole (5.5 feets) faster than the short one. A good cutting can bear fruit within 6 months. While most of them can bear fruit within 9 months - 12 months.