Expert: Greg Simpson - 10/5/2006

Question
I have had a cactus for about 10 years, it was about 4 inches tall when I received it has a gift. It has grown to about 2 feet tall. My question is: it seems to be too skinny and I'm worried its going to break in half. Is there anything i can do to thicken it up a bit. I received it from a very good friend and would hate to lose it. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Dear Jim,

Generally speaking, cactus are thin to begin with, so this may be normal. If it was thick when you bought it, and it has gotten thinner as it grew, that is caused by a lack of light. There is no way to thicken the plant once it has grown in this way, but you can use a support to keep it upright.

The only way to make sure it grows properly, it to make sure it gets very bright (but not direct sunlight), at least 15 hours per day. Sometimes the only way to make that happen is to supplement the light with a grow light. Check with your local nursery for one of those. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg