Expert: Greg Simpson - 12/2/2007

Question
I was given, what I think is a Opunitia engelmann, from my mom 6 years ago. At that time he was maybe two feet wide and a foot or two tall. Transplanting it was prickly but manageable. Now I've built a new house and I would like to take it with me. The problem is he is now three to three and a half feet tall and six feet wide at one point and four feet at the other. I know his roots are not deep but  has attached at many spots on the ground. Is there a way to get him up without breaking him apart. Or would that be okay? I really don't want to hurt this cactus. Can you help?

Answer
Tina,

It would be very expensive to move without breaking (hiring a company to do it). My advice would be to break off a few branches and re root them at your new place. If you really want to try and move the whole thing, you'll need 3 friends, a PU truck and a piece if old carpet big enough to hold the plant.

Somehow mark the north side of the plant. lay the carpet on the ground next to the plant. Dig it up so that the plant will fall onto the carpet. You and your 3 friends grab a corner and put it in a truck. Just reverse the process for planting. Make sure the north side of the plant is still facing north after replanting and it should be fine. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg