Expert: Greg Simpson - 4/16/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello there. It seems an arm off of our cactus has been hit and broken off. it was still hanging by a small piece of skin, but for the most part, severed. I actually taped it back into a vertical position quickly before it decides to rot, or kill the rest. (I have no idea). What can i do now to prevent the entire cactus from dying? Is there anything I can do to let the arm fuse back onto its original spot, or to perhaps grow the arm into its own seperate catus elsewhere?? I believe the type to be an "old man cactus" as shown in this picture here: http://helios.bto.ed.ac.uk/bto/desertecology/cacprof4.htm#top
ANSWER: Dwayne,

It can't be "fused" back on, but you can root the broken piece. Just break it the rest of the way off and let it "heal" for a couple of weeks. The main plant should heal and be just fine. After the arm heals, plant it is some cactus mix type soil. It should take a month or two to root. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok, thanks, I will try that. Now the arm was broken off 3 cm from the main trunk. can I cut it off closer to the trunk so it doesnt look so hurt, or could that finally kill the cactus? Also do I just sit the broken arm on the table or so and it will survive for 2 weeks?

Answer
Dwayne,

You can cut it closer to the main stem, should not be a problem. Also, your type of cactus comes from one of the most arid regions in the USA, so 2 weeks is nothing. You want to make sure that the area that has healed is hard to the touch before replanting. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Greg