Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/20/2006

Question
If you have a large Saguaro and have to have it removed due to leaning, can you replant the arms?

Answer
Dear Ginny,

Yes, you can root saguaro arms. However, don't let them fall to the ground. If they get bruised or damaged, they will die. The trick is to make sure you orient the arm (north/south) just as it was on the main plant. Plant it about a foot in the ground and don't water it! If you can, let the part that was cut or broken heal for at least a couple of weeks prior to planting.

Now you will need patience, because it may take a year to know whether it has rooted. Also, you should know, a very low percentage of cactus that are that large will actually root. So if yours make it, you can be very proud of that!

Have you looked into haveing it replanted or is it too big or in a bad spot? There are companies that can dig it up and replant it straight again. If that is an option, ask a follow up question and I will give you some phone numbers to call. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg