Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/1/2006

Question
I have one of those straight tall skinny cactus that
someone gave me a few years ago and kept it on my
back porch where it got a fair amount of sun but not
a lot. It was doing ok and then a packrat came and
chewed the lowest 8 inche off all around so that there was just a round crusty stem left down there,
so I brought it in and it's now not doing so good
with the top 4 inches turning gray..since the bottom
is shot and the top turning can I cut the middle out
and replant it and if so what should I do to get it
growing good again-the good middle section is about
18 inches long.........thanks ....Peter

Answer
Dear Peter,

Yes you can, but it might be too late. It will be more successful if the remaining plant isn't too emaciated. Make sure to let it heal for a couple of weeks before replanting. Don't overwater, water only when the soil is dry. If everything goes well, it will take a month or so to root. Good luck.

Sincerely,

Greg