Expert: Greg Simpson - 11/10/2007

Question
Greg,
I sent you a question regarding my cactus. I am really not sure what type it is. It is either a pechycereus or pilosocerus it it tall about about 9 feet I have been growing it for 4 years and it was only 1 foot when I bought it. It is straight and has no arms but never flowers. As I mentioned I can not get it into my house and need to know if I can cut it back? I covered it tonight since we are suppose to get frost and hope that it will not kill it.

Answer
Shelley,

I just answered your other question. If your plant is close to your house and you covered your plant it should be fine. Just make sure when you cut it to be very careful of the spines. If you have an old piece of carpet, wrap your plant up above where you are going to make the cut so the spines do not get damaged. If you do have a Pachycereus, it will be heavy, so have someone help you!

Sincerely,

Greg