Expert: Greg Simpson - 7/1/2007

Question
I have a 22 year old cactus in my backyard that is starting to become more trouble than it is worth. I want to get rid of it and someone once told me that a cactus that big could be worth money. Is this True?

The cactus that I have is somewhat similar to a Columnar Cacti, but i am not quite sure. It is about ten feet tall and at its center about thirty feel in circumference. It get apples and flowers on it sometime in the early summer.

Answer
Stephen,

It sounds like you have a Cereus peruvianus. That is a very common cactus, but also very hard to move intact without some very special equipment. Most times it has to be cut up and the cut pieces replanted. Because cutting it up is so labor intensive, you may not get much if anything for it.

However, it it is a particularly attractive plant, you may be able to sell it to a local nursery. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg