Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/14/2006

Question
My mother has a cactus thats about 6 feet tall its skinny and has spines all over it there is no obvious place to cut it to make it shorter but she rearly wants to keep it and cant find a solution could you please tell me how to cut it properly without damaging it im sorry that i cant provide more information on what type of cactus it is she has had it about 15 years thank you

Answer
Dear Jane,

Without know what type of plant it is, I can only give you a very general answer. Wrap an old piece of carpet around it (above where you want to cut). Have someone hold the carpet so that after it is cut, it won't fall to the ground. Use a very sharp, serated adge knife to cut the plant. Be very careful not to cut yourself!. Let the cut part heal for about 2 weeks prior to replanting. If you can send me a picture, please do to: gregandkat@msn.com.

I should be able to identify it and give you a better answer. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Greg