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Cactus/damaged cacti

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Question
today my girlfriends little sister and her ferret somehow got into her room and scratched and bit at the the cactus until it fell to the floor. what can we do besides cleaning the cuts out with water giving the ferret away? the cacti has several scratches punctures but was not uprooted

Answer

Ah, children and pets!  If available, get some fungicide  powder and dust the open areas, water isn't the best idea.  The main concern is introduction of rot from either fungus or some other microorganism getting into the open areas.  If you don't have  that available, get some rooting powder or charcoal dust and use that. I dust mine with a paint brush. It should be fine with that care.

Good luck.

Cactus

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Maureen

Expertise

I can answer questions regarding the care and propagation of cactus and succulents and would actually group these together as folks often mistake one for the other and often their care is quite different. I also have a cold hardy cactus and succulent garden that has been quite successful. The subject in regard to classification of type is enormous and I wouldn't be able to answer all questions by any means. It is really IMPORTANT TO INCLUDE A PHOTO if at all possible and LET ME KNOW WHERE YOU ARE FROM, especially in terms of climate.

Experience

I have learned by reading books, by trial and error and by consulting with folks with much more knowledge. I have primarily grown C&S for the last 20 years.

Organizations
Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts.

Education/Credentials
No formal training. See experience.

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