Expert: Greg Simpson - 3/20/2007

Question
I have a three foot tall, thin cactus that fell off a table. It broke in two places. One was a 'branch' that broke in the middle and the second was the center 'trunk' which broke about a foot from the top of the cactus. It bled a milky white liquid. How should I care for my injured cactus?

Answer
Kevin,

That milky white liquid identifies your plant as a Euphorbia, not a cactus. Not to worry, 90% of folks would also identify it as a cactus too. Anyway, you can let the broken parts heal for a couple of weeks, then replant them in a cactus mix type of soil. Water, then not again until the soil is dry. It will take a while for them to root, so be patient.

If the pieces did not break completely off, they will heal and continue to grow depending on the size of the break. Just be careful not to get any of that white stuff on you, as it is poisonous. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg