About Joan Expertise Prickly pear, saguaro, barrel cactus, house cacti... You name it! I will answer all your questions regarding cacti such as winter care, propagation, watering, and indoor care. I will also answer questions on edible cacti (for humans or pets) and identification. In addition, I may answer questions on other succulent plants, such as the agave.
Experience Due to the arid climate here in Nevada, I grew up planting cacti and shrubs to design my landscapes. As years went on, I learned the different ways on taking care of these amazing cacti, especially how to propagate them.
Education/Credentials During the past few years, I have tried out many methods in growing cacti, especially when it comes to propagation. I learned the dangers of over-watering, and have researched that people often make common mistakes. That is why I joined to be part of AllExperts.
Question Hi - I have/had a beautiful columner cactus that has grown a foot since I
purchased it. My house was sprayed for bedbugs and apparently, the
exterminator sprayed the cactus. The bottom 12" is all dried out and today
the top fell over (it's still connected to the dead part). The top 2 + feet are
still green and healthy looking. Is there anything I can do?
Thank you so much.
Answer Hello Lara,
Cut off all leafs (or columns for some cacti) and root them using the instructions given on my website below. I can't guarantee you the base will survive, but give it shot. Remove the plant from the pot and soil. Leave it so it is bare plant and roots. Wash the roots thoroughly with fresh water 10% bleach. Wash the base too as much as possible just in case it has poison left on it. Then wash it again with plain freshwater. Cut off any rotting or infected roots to prevent it from spreading. Then plant it in new, clean cactus soil with a new pot. Be sure to fill in the gaps between the roots when putting the soil in. If successful, the plant will continue to grow without dying. It might shoot new buds if really successful.
