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Should I allow my cactus cutting to callus before using rooting powder and planting it, or can I use the rooting powder when the cut is fresh? Thanks!

For rooting cacti cuttings, I know of very few situations where you would not allow the cut end to completely callous over before attempting rooting. The few exceptions are the fast growing grafting stocks, things like Pereskiopsis. I've never used a rooting hormone, so I can't comment on that.

Steve

Dip in rooting hormone (powder form) right after cutting it. Than put it aside until it calluses before putting in the ground or medium.

jorgeq wrote:Dip in rooting hormone (powder form) right after cutting it. Than put it aside until it calluses before putting in the ground or medium.

Yes - that rooting powder will not penetrate through dry skin or callus of the plant, it needs fresh moist cut.

I diped fresh end into rooting powder, and it immediately turned red like blood! Did I kill it?

cengo wrote: ↑Thu May 06, 2021 4:53 pm I diped fresh end into rooting powder, and it immediately turned red like blood! Did I kill it?

The callus layer is dead anyway but the segment has to be OK. Hard to say something helpful without seeing some photos.

I've done it both ways . The fungicide is probably more useful than the hormone

Found these on rooting powder and Succulents.

https://succulentthrive.com/propagating ... ull-guide/

https://forum.bcss.org.uk/viewtopic.php ... e24b2e7c38

Literature suggests that rooting hormones work by increasing the accumulation of auxins in the plant, in turn triggering root growth. If we accept that this is in fact its working mechanism, then it makes sense that a callous will likely obstruct absorption, lowering its effectiveness.

H