Cactus/Saguaro cactus
Advertisement
Question
my Saguaro is oozing black tar like substance
Dear Mary,
That's not good. It usually indicates rot. What part of the plant is it oozing from? I ask for two reasons: 1. depending on where it is oozing, at least in part it be saved and 2.If it's low and bad enough it can fall and really cause a lot of destruction if in the way of anything, including people. A 20 ft. saguaro weighs about 16,000 lbs!
If you have a picture, that would be ideal. But height, area of rot, whether or not it has arms, and if it listing are all important questions to answer and then I can help you more. If it is listing from the base you need to do something immediately, because even though it's listing in one direction it can fall in another. In that case you have to get a certified cactus horticulturist. The Arizona Dept. of Agriculture can point you in the right direction.
Hopefully that's not the case.
My prejudice is to save a saguaro if at all possible, they are protected and rare.
Look forward to hearing from you.
Maureen
Related Articles
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.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.