Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/9/2007

Question
Getting different answers to how big an area is need to plant a 20 foot cactus with at least one arm.  We have a 3foot area is that big enough?

Answer
Jane,

What you need to consider is that a saguaro (if that is what you have) get very big and very heavy, In order for your cactus to stay upright, it will need to have an extensive root system, which it can not do in such a small area. Also, cacti roots stay close to the the surface of the soil in order to collect rain water effectively. If thats not the case, then the Saguaro may survive for a few yours, but it will become stressed and possibly die. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg