You are here:

Cactus/Cactus with split at the top

Advertisement


Question

Cactus
My 5 foot tall cactii (I think it is a Pilosocereus pachycladus ) fell over outside in a high wind and the tops of each of the cactii split down about 4 to 6".  Nothing broke off but I am unsure if they will heal.  I am attaching a photograph of one of the splits.

Answer
Dear Robin,

Don't you just hate that?  I think they may heal, with scars.  I'd get some fungicide/insecticide powder or Rootone if you can't find the first and dust those cracks.  I might try to approximate the cracks more closely once they've been treated.  That one split looks a little wide. Make sure that NO water gets anywhere near them.  Keep the cactus dry over all and in bright but filtered light.  If worse comes to worse and you get rot you'll have to cut the tops off.

I've actually had some success.  The fungicide/insecticide will hopefully keep the rot away.

Good luck,
Maureen
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThanks so much for your timely response.


  • Add to this Answer
  • Ask a Question

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.