Expert: Greg Simpson - 11/26/2006

Question
our cactus is thriving. It out-grew the ceilings so we moved it outside to a deck with partial shade/sushine in Florida. It is outgrowing it's pot so I want to cut a large branch off before it breaks off. Should I cut low in the woody part of the stem or higher? To transplant the cutting how should I treat the fresh cut end? What soil?  

Answer
Daniel,

Should I cut low in the woody part of the stem or higher? Higher up is better as woody sections will not root.

To transplant the cutting how should I treat the fresh cut end? All you have to do is let it "heal" for about 2 weeks prior to planting. Once the cut area is good and hard, plant the cutting at least 6" in the soil (if the cutting is 2 feet long or more).

What soil? Use a general "cactus mix" type of soil available from any nursery. Water initially to pack the soil, then only water when the soil becomes dry. Once you see new growth, you can water like the original plant.

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg