How do I start new plants from an existing Christmas cactus?
A. This holiday favorite is easy to start from cuttings. Simply remove a piece of stem at the pinched area, technically known as the node. Make the cutting one or two, no more than three sections long for best results. Allow the cut end to callus over for a day or two. Then stick the cut end into a very well-drained potting or cactus mix. Keep the new plant in a bright location but out of direct light until roots form. Keep the rooting media slightly moist but avoid excess water that can lead to rot. Take more cuttings than needed for insurance. If you have great success you will have plants to share with family and friends. Q. During your show with Larry Meiller on WPR, you mentioned a type of maple. I think you said “Miobee” but I have been unable to find anything close to this spelling. Can you please clarify for me? A. You were close. Plus my Ohio-Wisconsin accent probably led you astray from the proper spelling of Miyabe maple (Acer miyabei). This medium-size maple is upright oval
