Expert: Greg Simpson - 2/1/2006

Question
We recently moved into a new house and the previous owners left a 8 foot cactus(I think it is a cactus).  We want to get rid of it and maybe replant a part of it.  Where do we cut it or do we break off part of a branch?  Also, how old would it be if it is 8ft? It has about four stems at the base and the taller it gets the moe things branch out.  Thanks for your info!

Answer
Dear Kay,

Its hard to say how old without seeing a picture. An eight foot saguaro would be well over 100 years old, but they don't branch at the base. What you have sounds like a Cereus Peruvianus or a stenocereus thurberi. They are both easy to cut and replant. Just make sure you wait about 3 weeks before replanting to let the plant "heal".

Also make sure to orient the plant correctly (what is now the north side still faces north). Otherwise the plant will sunburn. If you have the capability to send a picture email, send it to greg8365@hotmail.com and I can give you a better idea of what plant Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg