Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/10/2006

Question
Hello.  My six year old son broke his little cactus.  it is just a plain cactus about 5 cm high with spikes (looks like a old mans cactus, but no "hair" on it so to speak.)  just wondering if i can repot the broken bits, it seems to have split the top bit that broke of.(1/3 not squashed too badly)
 also wondering if the bottom part will continue to grow if the top half is squashed or broken, and should i cut that bit off?
as my six year old son is just DEVASTATED about his broken cactus and is still in tears i would appreciate your help muchly! He LOVES his cactus.
Thanks For Your Help if you are able to.

Many Thanks,

TP

i did take a photo but can not see where to attach it.    THANKS

Answer
Dear Trudi,

Sorry to hear about your son's cactus, believe me I know how he feels! Depending on the variety of cactus, it should continue to grow. Some cacti are solitary, but may branch when damaged. You can cut off the damaged part, but make sure it "heals" before resuming watering. That should take a couple of weeks. The broken pieces are probably too small to root, so I wouldn't worry about those. If nothing else, your son will have a unique cactus!

Sincerely,

Greg