Expert: Greg Simpson - 1/4/2008

Question
How to thin out a over grown cactus plant it hangs over the walk way

Answer
Dan,

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you, forgot to set my vacation message. Anyway, you can trim it like you would a tree. Just make sure to cut smaller pieces as pound for pound, cactus can be much heavier (depending on the species) than a tree.

Use a hack saw, as it will go through the woody center of the plant easier than a knife. Other than that, there is nothing special about trimming a cactus. One last thing, do not trim a branch if you are under it, again they are heavier than they appear, not to mention the spines!

Sincerely,

Greg