The crabapple orchid, also known as the Christmas cactus, is called by the latter name because it tends to bloom between December and January each year when it grows in the northern hemisphere. Crabapples are beautiful plants that are easy to cultivate with the right growing conditions. Simple pruning will allow crabapple orchids to grow fuller and more lush. Another benefit of pruning is reducing the size of existing plants. With proper preparation and the right pruning techniques, you can unlock the full potential of your crabapple orchid.

I. Remove Stem Nodes

1. If you want to make the crabapple grow fuller, remove 1 or 2 stem nodes

If the purpose of your pruning is to encourage the plant growth, then you don't need to remove too many stem nodes. In fact, removing only 1/3 of the stem nodes will reduce the size of the plant.

2. If you want to propagate more crape myrtles, then remove the stem nodes longer

In order to cultivate new plants from the stem nodes, you need to remove the Y-shaped stem nodes from the mother plant. The picked part must contain 3 or 4 pieces of stem nodes. You can plant the stem nodes in as many different pots as you want to cultivate.

3. Wait for the crabapple to bloom before pruning

After the blooming period is over, the crabapple will enter the next growth cycle and grow new nodes. This is the best time to prune, as pruning stimulates the plant to grow more branches.

If you can't afford to prune right away, wait until late spring.

4. Grab the stems at the spaces between the nodes and twist the nodes

The nodes are square, with a node between each piece of the stem. The node is the weakest part of the whole plant, so just grab the node and twist it, and the stem node breaks off. You have to be fast when twisting or you will hurt the plant.

If you can't twist it for a while, then pinch the node off with your fingernail instead.

If you feel that the twisting action will cause harm to the plant, use gardening shears to cut the nodes from the same place.

5Gather the longer stem nodes

Stem nodes longer than 2 pieces can be used to propagate new crape myrtles in a process also known as cutting. Stem nodes that are too short can simply be thrown away.

2. Promoting rooting

1. Dry the stems over a period of 2 days

The purpose of drying the stems is to allow the breaks to recover slightly and to prevent the stems from rotting if there is too much water in the plant. Sometimes it takes up to 4 days to dry the stem nodes.

2. Prepare small pots and a well-draining soil mix

Moist peat and sandy soil mixed together will provide plenty of nutrients for the plant. This combination also has good drainage, which is very important for the growth of cactus-like plants. If you also want to enhance the drainage of the soil, put pumice stones at the bottom of the pot.

3. Insert each stem node into the soil

The length of the stem nodes in the soil must be around 2.5cm so that the plant can absorb enough water and nutrients. If necessary, at this point you can plant several stem nodes in the same pot.

4. Place the pot in a cool place with no direct sunlight

While crabapple orchids can easily adapt to shady environments, they grow more vigorously in a bright place with no direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can easily sunburn the leaves of crabapples, so avoid it at all costs.

Water sparingly or it will cause the plant to rot.

5. Transplant the stem nodes to a larger pot

The upper end of the stem nodes will show signs of growth after 2 to 3 weeks. Usually, when the upper part of the stem turns red, you can transplant it to a larger pot. Add a loose potting soil mix to the pot. You can also configure the new plant with the soil in which you planted the mother plant.

At first, the plant may look wilted, but don't really worry, this is normal. The plant will return to normal once it has adapted to its new environment.

This is when the plant can receive more non-direct light.

6. Water your crabapple regularly

When the stem nodes grow roots and new nodes, the plant will be able to retain water like an adult plant . You'll want to care for the new plant as you would an adult plant, keeping the potting soil moist at all times.

Check the condition of the soil to see if it needs watering. When the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch it's time to water again.

7. Change the pot every 3 to 4 years

Crabapple orchids like to grow in smaller pots, so you don't need to change the pot too often.

The late winter or early spring after the flowering period is a good time to change pots.

Tips

Picked stem nodes make great gifts for friends. They can grow beautiful crabapple orchids from the stem nodes.

Crabapple orchids are best suited to grow in an environment of 18°C-24°C with air humidity between 50%-60%. If you plan to cultivate crabapple orchids indoors, you'd better make sure that the temperature and humidity of the room meet the above requirements.