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 QUESTION: I have a few questions on this plant, can they be trimmed(the extra shoots or heads)? how successful can the pups be transplanted? Is trimming all the dead leaves off a good idea? Thank you very much for your help.
ANSWER: Hello John,
Trimming will do no harm. However, they leave scars behind permanently. Trimming dead leaves will not harm the plant.
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QUESTION: What about digging up the new pups do they transplant easily? Thank you for your help
Answer Translplanting offshoots is fairly easy, but tricky. You may have to wait until the offsoots have a couple of leaves, as the new ones may still be connected to the "mother" plant. Once you feel confident, you need to dig it up and you may have to require pulling towards you. As I said before, it is connected to the mother plant. However, it will have roots of its own by then, so it wont harm it. Afterwards, place it in wet soil and don't water it. The wet soil should do enough. Be sure to fill in the gaps between the roots.
