Expert: Greg Simpson - 6/30/2006

Question
Hi Greg,
I bought a cactus type unknown, when I bought it, it had one main body with 3 circular parts coming out of it. Looks a bit like a green man in a pot, all of the parts are flat. It grew a bit taller and then all of the upper parts grew sprouts and these grew taller and taller giving it 3 tiers, this was fine until the upper tiers starting sprouting as well causing the upper part to become top heavy and the plant started to droop. So I cut the top 2 tiers off leaving me with something which looked like the original plant I bought and 3 new cacti which are flourishing in their own pots. However the 3 new plants just keep growing upwards, how do I get the cacti to grow offshoots instead of just growing straight up?  

Answer
Dear Lorraine,

What you are describing sounds like they are not getting enough light. Even short, globular cacti will get tall and thin in a low light situation. Do not put them in direct sun light, but put them in the brightest light possible. If that isn't possible, then a "grow light" may help, check at your local nursery for one of those.

Most cacti do not do well as house plants unless they are in a very bright area. Good luck.

Sincerely,

Greg