Expert: Maureen - 6/18/2010

Question
I have about a 3 to 4 foot tall totem pole cactus planted in a pot.  It's about 4 to 5 inches in diameter.  Recently we had a clock fall off the wall and took out about a 1 inch deep chunk near the base of the plant.  At first it looked okay -- forming a scab, but then about a week ago I noticed black rot and mold.  We've had some rainy days.  It came from AZ and we now live in CO.  It's grown well for 15 years or so.  I proceeded to clean out as much of the rot as I could.  Can you suggest anything that will keep this plant alive?  I don't have a picture of it, but I could probably take one if that would help.

Answer
Dear Debbie,

I'm so sorry to hear about your accident. It's difficult when you can't clean out all the rot to keep it from spreading. What I'd do first is unpot the plant and see how far the rot has extended below the soil line. if it looks OK, repot in new, soiless mix. If the rot has spread down the base and into the roots there's not much you can do but cut above the rot to healthy tissue and start over.

If you can get the rot out of the wound, keeping in mind that for a 4-5 in diameter plant an inch is a big gash, you could dust it with  fungicide and if you don't have that, rooting hormone (has fungicide in it) and keep the plant totally dry.  Also, what ever you cut out won't fill in so you need to think about having enough base left to hold the cactus up.

Sorry I can't be more encouraging but if you could send me a picture that would help so I could see the actual wound.

Maureen

Dear Debbie,

What wasn't clear to you?  I'm happy to clarify as well as learn when I'm not  being clear.

maureen