Cutting and planting christmas cactus?

here's the deal... ive been working on my green thumb for cacti growth recently, so far 3 casualties, and 3 still surviving... now i want to move onto a christmas cactus. my mom a few around the house, but she's not so good with them, they look like they are tired and sagging. anyways, i want to steal a piece or 2 by cutting it and replanting it... how do i go about this successfully?





ive already bought some cactus soil and a small pot. i don't want it to grow too big, but to look pretty and bloom, so i will most likely keep it in the small pot, and possibly decorate it...





what are some tips and information i need to know for growing a beatiful healthy christmas cactus?

Cutting and planting christmas cactus?
It is essential that you let the cut piece form a tough scab. It can take a few weeks or more. Don't be in a hurry. If you rush it, it will rot and turn to mush and you will have to start all over.





Reall, it is easy. Use a little rootone on the dried cutting and you'll be fine.
Reply:I'm not very good at gardening, but I live in a cactus zone (sonora-arizona desert)... lucky you, these plants barely need mantienance, maybe all they need is sun and veeery few water.





Go for it, it's gonna be a very original christmas tree, but be careful when you decorate it, use some thick gloves and don't touch it... you may think you touched a thorn-free spot, but you haven't! (believe me, it took me an all-day-long lesson to learn that... ouch)
Reply:I plant mine in regular soil and have had it for 6 years now. It gets a little bigger but is still only in a 6 inch pot. I think they fair well no matter how you plant them.
Reply:First of all, you need to look at the plant and determine which leaves or section you wan to take. Then you need to look at it to find little brown hair-like things between one of the leaves. These are a must because they will become the roots. If not there, look for a different section of leaves. Finally cut the group off and plant. Water the plant a little and hopefully it will take off and grow. If you need any other planting info., feel free to email me at butterfly_kimberly9@yahoo.