Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/21/2007

Question
we think it is a euphorbia.  It stands about 6ft in height and grows about 6 inches a year.  the main trunk was a four pointed star and the baby shoots that came off were 3 pointed stars.  The main trunk would get an offshoot each year and those babies would get one the next year.  Running down the edge of the cactus there are nodes and two 1/2 inch spikes come out of each node.

the problem...

it was near a cold air vent or was over watered and the base started to turn brown/black and get squishy.  It has quickly moved up the arm.  

Can it be saved by cutting?  How do we re-pot/root again?


thanks in advance  

Answer
Remy,

Make a cut about 4 to 5 inches above the visible rotted area. Be careful not to get any of the white sap on you that will come from the plant. Set it aside to "heal" for at least 2 weeks before replanting.

You can then replant in a cactus mix type of soil. water, then not again until the soil is dry. If it takes root, it will take a month or two. No direct sun while you are trying to root it, but it should have strong indirect light. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg