When to root a cut(ting)s

[teo]

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I have a few cacti that have become too big/tall (for a globose form) so I have cut off the upper parts and let them dry for a few weeks. Is there any advantage of planting them now or should I wait until they start to show new roots. I know it can take a long time (many months) before any roots will develop but will that process start faster if they are in soil (but in that case I will never see it). I have not used any chemicals/rooting hormones (don't have that).

[CactusFanDan]

I don't think there's any advantage to rooting them in soil, since they will just sprout roots even if they're left out in the open. Either rooting on soil or in the open work fine.

[greenknight]

I use straight grit. The only advantage is it gets the roots going in the right direction. The first cactus cuttings I ever grew were some extra Mamm. elongata cuttings that had been left laying on a windowsill quite a while before they were given to me, had roots growing out the side. They did fine, though.