Expert: Greg Simpson - 9/14/2007

Question
Greg,
I have a cactus that has a broken arm.  I’ve read some of your suggestion and have a few more questions.
- When you talk about (let the broken area heal for a couple of weeks).  Can you explain!  What I’m I looking for the broken end to look like before I can re-pot?

- Once It’s time to re-pot, should soil stay moist and if so for how long.

Thanks for your help
Ken


Answer
Ken,

The broken end will scab over and become hard. Once that happens which can take 2 weeks or more, it can be replanted. Water it, but then let the soil dry out between waterings. If the soil stays too moist, the plant will rot. Once you see new growth, it should be rooted.

A good rule of thumb is that cactus soil needs to dry out between waterings, especially if the plant is dormant. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg