Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/21/2006

Question
I PURCHASED A GOLDEN SAGUARO RECENTLY.  WHILE MOVING IT FROM MY BACKYARD TO WHERE I WAS PLANTING IT IN THE FRONTYARD OF OUR NEW HOME. IT FELL OVER.  I NOTICED I NOW HAVE A CRACK IN IT ABOUT 5 INCHES LONG AND A COUPLE OF RIBS ARE DENTED/CRUSHED INWARD.  THE CACTUS IS 5 FEET TALL AND ABOUT 1 FOOT IN DIAMETER.  BEFORE I PLANTED IT, IT STOOD STRAIGHT UP IN IT'S CONTAINER.  NOW BECAUSE OF THIS INCIDENT IT IS SLIGHTLY BENT. WILL THIS CACTUS SURVIVE?  SHOULD I BRACE THE CACTUS WITH A POLE FOR AWHILE?

Answer
Dear Ed,

A golden saguaro isn't actually a saguaro, it is a Neobuxbaumia polylopha. I too planted a 10 foot specimen in my front yard, however the people that delivered it broke it in half (see: http://community.webshots.com/photo/553266941/2140141630095771929xWhbFV ).
Is the crack vertical or horizontal? In either case it should heal. Just don't let any water collect in the break. The crushed part should also heal, just keep an eye out for rot. You can prop it up, just be careful not to tie the string/rope too tight. If you can find some, use the green tape that most nurseries use to stake their trees. This is such a beautiful plant but they are easily damaged. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg