The red bird cactus (Pedilanthus tithymaloides) is a succulent shrub reaching 6 to 8 feet tall in its native habitat, but when planted in containers it only grows to 24 inches tall, making a dazzling showcase plant with red flowers and a thick zig-zagging stem. In U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, it can survive growing outside, but temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit cause this tropical plant damage. If temperatures fall below the minimum temperature each year, grow this bush in a container. As a succulent plant, this unusual bush is propagated through stem cuttings.
Start the propagation process by washing a sharp knife, a shallow plant pot and a tray with soapy water. Sterilize everything with a 10 percent bleach mixture and rinse with clean water. Water the red bird cactus well 24 hours before taking the cutting to plump up the stems. The plant pot needs drainage holes, so poke them in the bottom of the container if it doesn't have any.
Cut a 4- to 6-inch section off the parent plant with the sharp knife. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and place it on newspaper to catch the sap. To form a callous at the cut end of the stem, leave it in a warm location, out of direct sunlight, with good air circulation for two to three days.
Move the cutting to the plant pot, filled with moist perlite, and place it into the rooting medium at the depth of 2 inches. Set the plant pot into a tray of water for two weeks to let roots form. Do not place the cutting in direct sunlight because this will overheat the cutting. After the roots form, move the red bird cactus plant to an individual plant pot filled with equal parts of potting soil and sand.
Do not smear the sap oozing from the cut stem around. The sticky sap turns black when exposed to the air and stains fabric and skin. Also do not get the poisonous sap into your eyes or mouth. Flush with clear water and seek immediate medical attention. Wear gloves or wash your hands immediately after working with the plant.