Expert: Darlene K. Kittle - 11/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: I just repotted my cactus (it is a flowering one; bright pink in November) but the pot is three times larger than the one it came from.  Is this fixable?

Thank you

ANSWER: Sheilagh,

You would be best off to go buy another cactus or 2 and move the one to one side of the pot and add the other one or 2 to the pot also and you will have a larger plant and you will not kill it by overwatering it because it is a small plant in way too large a pot. That would solve the problem. Also if you can get some sand mix that in with the soil whe you add the additional plant and you will have a healthier plant also. If you cant get sand add a little extra perlite. It is the stuff that looks like white styrofoam pellets. It will lighten up the soil and keep the plant healthier. Be careful not to overwater but this cactus should be kept watered till it is done blooming then it should be kept dryer. Never leave it constantly wet or the roots will rot. Good luck.

Darlene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick response to my query.  I honestly didn't think I would hear back so soon so I re-repotted it in a smaller pot.  Is this bad for the plant? What are the implications of doing that?  Thanks Darlene  

Answer
Sheilagh,

That is just fine.  Just keep it in a very sunny location and it should be fine. Be careful to let it get somewhat dry and lighter between waterings, don't let it dry out totally but let it get dryer. After it finishes blooming let it dry out totally before you water it. Only water then every 2 weeks or so. Now wateer approximately once a week. Good luck.

Darlene