Expert: Greg Simpson - 6/13/2007

Question
What is the easiest way to replant an Echinocereus
gentryi? Mine is 42 inches tall and has three separate pieces, I have had it for about 7 years and it started at 12 inches. I am assuming the name from pictures on the net, it had a flower but only the stem remained as it grew. I put it outside in the summer to give it more sun, but I do put it in some shade to keep it from burning. Thank you for responding.

Answer
Tom,

If you have a Echinocereus Gentryi, it is twice as big as they normally get. If your not sure about its identity, please send me a photo to gregandkat@msn.com . And yes, any time you move a plant outside, shade (especially in the afternoon) is advisable.

As far as transplanting goes, just pick a pot about twice the size of the one it is in, put enough dirt in the bottom so that when you set the plant in, it will be about an inch below the rim of the new pot. Then just pack the soil in around the root ball. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg