Expert: Greg Simpson - 6/24/2006

Question
I have a huge Senita Cactus, 20' in diameter and 15' tall.  It is beginning to turn brown.  It did not propogate flowers this year and is not growing any off shoots.  I have had it for 15 years and really have never watered it.  Should I cut out the dried arms and water it monthly?  It is really a focal point in my front yard and really don't want to replace it.  I am also having problems with some big prickly pear cactus that is drying out at the base.  Do cactus just get old and die?

Answer
Dear Ric,

Yes cacti do just get old and die, just like everything does. However, if you are having trouble with two plants, then there may be something else going on. If there is any way you can send me a picture (or pictures) of the damage, that would be very helpful. Send them to: gregandkat@msn.com and I will be able to give you a better answer. If you can't, you should call an arborist to help you. There are also resources at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. Judging from the type of plant you have and its size, you must live either in AZ, CA, or NV. Here is the website for the DBG contact info: http://www.desertbotanical.org/index.aspx?pageID=258

Hope this helps,

Sincerely,

Greg