Expert: Greg Simpson - 6/7/2006

Question
My son broke the top 4 to 6 inches of my cactus. What is the best way to salvage my plant?
The plant is four feet high with a six inch diameter at the base.

Also, my husband set the plants outside and the wind was blowing strong and the top 4 to 6 inches are now sitting at a 90 degree turn. How can I get my cactus to grow verically again.

Donna

Answer
Dear Donna,

For some reason your cactus sounds weakened. Typically that can happen with cacti that are grown indoors because they do not get enough light to grow properly. All cacti should be in the brightest light possible without being in direct sunlight. It would also help if I knew what kind of cactus it is. If you can, please send a picture of it to greg8365@hotmail.com.

You can try standing the part that is bent over at 90 degrees back up, then tie a small dowell to it to keep it straight, but that won't look very good. If you can send me a picture. Thanks.

Greg