Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/30/2006

Question
Greg'
this most recent storm blew my oldest saguaro over. THIS GRANDDADDY WAS 50' TALL WITH SEVERAL 25' ARMS . It was uprooted and snapped 4-5 roots about 6" dia. I'm totally bummed about losin him. Tell me , can I take the broken arms & stick em in a hole & they'll take?I know ocotillo you can do this, but how about Saguaros? Or if I can lift/push the root ball back into it's hole(about 4' dia ball)will that start to grow someday. any info would be nice. Thx.

Answer
Dear Bill,

Unfortunately when a Saguaro that big hits the ground, its done. However, if you can find an arm that isn't crushed, cracked or bruised in any way. You may be able to root it. Cut a section about 3 to 4 feet long and set it aside for at least 3 to 4 weeks to heal. Once the cut end is hard to the touch, you can plant it in the ground.

Make sure to mix some sand in with the dirt and also make sure you re-orient it north/south the way it was on the orginal plant. Otherwise it will sunburn and die. I have to be honest with you, the chances are very slim it will root, but is possible and I have seen it done.

Hope this helps,

Sincerely,

Greg