Cactus/What type of Cactus is this?
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Question
Is this a saguaro cactus? It was identified as such when I bought it.
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Here's some information:
Plant purchased around 1992.
The pot is 5" x 5".
All the growth on the top has occurred in the last year. Before that, nothing. The only thing happening was the color change on the bottom. The plant is hard there, no oozing of any kind.
I live in New York City - the window faces East, but the plant also gets some sun in the afternoon from a south facing window.
Dear Robert,
It's hard for me to say because the growth is abnormal, tho the plant looks healthy. The brown at the bottom is corking which is a normal occurrence in an older plant. The new growth is etiolated: that is the plant needed sun and started to grow in search of light and started to stretch. It causes a thinner, weaker growth and the abnormality is permanent. Did you change the watering pattern at all?
What I recommend is that you put it in a south facing window if possible where it is cool and not water it till spring. At that point I would repot it in a good soilless mix, start watering again slowly and see what happens. I suspect that the upper part will continue to grow but if it gets wider (which it will with bettr light, soil and water) you will have a problem with that narrow area as it won't support the new growth.
I will say it looks like a columnar cactus. They grow straight and tall without that narrowing. It would be odd for this type of cactus not to grow at all for 5 years, but poor light, soil, water could do that I suppose.
I wouldn't do anything but what I suggested for now as it is in a dormant period - not a good time to mess around with a cactus.
You do have some options in the spring as I suggested and I would add the option of cutting off the new grow and start a new plant - but not now.
If I can help you any further, please me know and thanks for the photo.
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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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