Expert: Greg Simpson - 10/7/2006

Question
I have an 8 foot tall cactus and it won't fit back into the house for the winter months.
Is there a way to cut it back without killing it?
I live in Missouri

Answer
Dear Nancy,

Depending on the variety of your plant, it may be very thick and heavy. If you need to trim it, you will need help. Use a sharp knife and cut it at about 50% of it's height. Clean the knife with alcohol between each cut. If you want, you can let the cuttings heal for a few weeks and plant in a new pot. The should root after a month or so. Use a "cactus mix" type of soil and plant the cuttings about 4 to 5 inches in the soil. Water only when the soil is dry.

Sincerely,

Greg