Expert: Greg Simpson - 11/2/2006

Question
Our saguaro broke and we lost over 2/3 of it. Could the base still live and continue to grow and is it possible for any of the arms to be saved?

Answer
Dear Margaret,

That depends on why it fell over. If the top 2/3's just broke off, chance are there was rot involved. The arms can be planted, if they were not too damaged by the fall. Saguaro arms have a very low rate of survival because they are very difficult to root. If you want to try, make sure to orient them north/south just as they were on the plant before it fell. Plant them in almost 100% sand, plant them about a foot deep, and do not water; let the rain take care of that.

If they take root, you will see new growth next year. Hope this helps,

Sincerely,

Greg