given summer is over and my cacti have had a nice growth spurt with multiple pups popping out, when is a good time to take a cutting? is it ok to do it now ? or should i wait until next spring?

My babies dont have any pups, but i want to take some cuttings to propogate them. I guess im wondering the same thing. I figured now would be good so they can root up over the winter, but i could be mistaken.

Also, how low can i cut them? I have two with healthy roots that are like 18-20 inches... the real question is, what's too low?

I've read to leave a couple inches on your cactus and that winter is the best time to harvest. This could just be conjecture, but seemed pretty reliable when I was researching.

Happy growing,
D

I know most cactus vendors cut in the spring because cuttings tend to root out best over the spring/summer. You absolutely can cut and root over the winter but afaik its better to wait till spring.

Like Dreamer said, Most vendors take their cuts in spring or summer. A cutting that is taken from an actively growing cacti will root much faster than one that has slowed down its growth and has been watered less to survive a colder climate's winter.

Oddly enough I like fall and rooting over winter and spring planting or potting up.
You can take a cutting at any time.

thanks for the replies

When I took my cuttings it was still summer but late summer with the cuttings I took theam to make logs and to propagate them i live in texas so winter here is not so harsh so i pretty much have year round growing.