Expert: Greg Simpson - 9/10/2007

Question
What do you mean by when you say let it "heal" I have a cactus that broke.  Do I put it in water to grow roots?

Answer
Renee,

No, no water! Cacti must "heal" after they are cut or broken, which means the must form a scab over the area that was cut. The area will become very hard in about 2 weeks. Once that has happened, it can be replanted in soil, not water. Since cacti store water in their tissues, they do not need to be put in water to form roots. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg