Expert: Greg Simpson - 12/10/2007

Question
Please Help! My children (boys) thought it would be a great idea to stab our saguaro w/a rusty giant spike in about 50 places. It must have happened this week because we just discovered it. We don't get much rain in AZ but it did rain the last 2 weekends. My saguaro, which is young and only about 5 feet high, is now rotting and oozing black. Can it be saved? It cost $500 so I am in no position to replace it at this time. I would appreciate any input you can give me. Thanks.

Answer
Susan,

Generally, if it is oozing black stuff, it will not make it. you can try scooping out the rotted parts and letting it heal, but it won't look very pretty. If the damage is too extensive, even that may not help. I also live in AZ, and all the rain we have been getting will not help. However, you may want to check out Craig's List for a replacement. I have seen much larger saguaro's for less than what you paid, however, you would have to do the transporting and planting.

If you are just looking for a replacement cactus and not necessarily a saguaro, a Trichocereus terschekii or a Neocardenasia herzogiana get just as big and are a similar shape. They grow much faster and are less expensive and fairly common around town. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg