An Unstable Cactus Needs Help
By Maybelle
11 Jul, 2016
3 likes
This cactus is about 45 cm and experienced a "dry spell" in its youth which caused a thin spot near the bottom. We've had to have the glass tube around it to keep it upright for several years. I'd like to fix it but don't know what to do. Advice is appreciated.
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Hello Maybelle
The cactus looks top heavy and is likely to fall over.
You could cut the top off above the thin bit, and re-root it.
Here's a link to a site that explains how to do this.
Copy and paste :-
https://www.dbg.org/sites/dbg.dd/files/rooting_a_cactus_cutting.pdf
After cutting the top off you can get rid of the thin bit - cut it away, and then the bottom bit will form new shoots.
(Dust the cut area with powdered sulphur to prevent infection.)
Later on you can use these shoots as cuttings, or leave them alone to grow into a nice clump.
Good luck ! Let us know how you get on :)
12 Jul, 2016
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I don't know much about cacti, but I'd be tempted to slice it just below the narrow part. Maybe it will regenerate or grow a new arm.
12 Jul, 2016