Expert: Greg Simpson - 5/24/2006

Question
I found my cactus with a split in it this morning. I just replanted it in a bigger pot and must not have put enough of the sand/soil mixture in it and it fell over - spliting. It's not completely broken in two - is there a chance I can still do something with it? The bottom or the top piece? The bottom doesn't look like it has a lot of healthy roots on it and it seems to be a little dry looking (but it's moist inside).  

Answer
Dear Kate,

You can prop it up and it may do just fine, or you you can cut it off the rest of the way. After letting the cut heal (for about 2 weeks), you can replant it and it should grow. The bottom in the soil should also grow and sprout some arms from the area below the break. It will take both parts a month or two to recover, so be patient. Good luck!

Sincerely,

Greg