Cactus Conundrum

[Ross365]

I have a cactus that I’ve owned for ~40 years, but it got knocked off a shelf, hastily replanted, but now needs attention (see attached).

What I find on Google is that cuttings are best taken in spring or summer. However, that limb which is now almost horizontal looks to me as if it needs attention now (or better still, 3 months ago).

Are there any cactus experts on the forum who could offer me suggestions on how best to help the plant?

Thanks

 

[chunkolini]

might this help?

 

[voipio]

Viagra!! Chunkolini got there first!! ;-)

 

[Migmac]

My dad would have cut the healthy looking tops off and repotted them. Other than that I’m no help, sorry

 

[brightspark]

well after 3 month and its still ok tie it up with a bit of string and leave it

 

[Ross365]

well after 3 month and its still ok tie it up with a bit of string and leave it

If the thing about taking cuttings in spring /summer is right (suspect it is) making a sling might well be the least worst move.

 

[pedrobedro]

We used to have one like that in a bigger pot and it used to shed the top bits and they self set where they landed. Sister in law had it off us and I think she still has it.

 

[MattF]

If the thing about taking cuttings in spring /summer is right (suspect it is) making a sling might well be the least worst move.

The seasons are so far out of whack at the moment, I wouldn't worry about it. This would generally be a dormant period, but little has stopped growing.

 

[Ross365]

The seasons are so far out of whack at the moment, I wouldn't worry about it. This would generally be a dormant period, but little has stopped growing.

That was true up until this last week. Out here in the sticks here it's getting close to zero at night and the days are pretty short now. I definitely feel like hibernating .

 

[pcwizme]

Lop it off, leave it a week to callus over and then stick it on the top of a pot of cacti compost. Although spring summer is best for cuttings on cacti, they will take all year round if you move it in a to a nice warm light area. (mine live in the porch so it gets lots of light. Alternativly sling it or tie it to a stick and make sure it stays green and plump, if it starts to look sunken then lop it off and do as I suggested at the start of the message

 

[Onoff]

Sorted!

 

[Scalarocco]

Sorted!

View attachment 375744

Flawless solution...

 

[Onoff]

SWMBO's aunt was a big cactus grower. When it all got too much she invited Tom Hart Dyke from Lullingstone to come and take his pick from her three greenhouses. He made several trips and transplated specimens into his World Garden. Under ideal conditions they are massive now.

Lullingstone Castle & The World Garden

www.lullingstonecastle.co.uk

I can highly recommend his book The Cloud Garden btw.

 

[Ross365]

When I was a kid in West Yorkshire in the 60's, keeping cacti was a huge hobby among kids and really competitive. I had a pretty good collection but then came the winter from hell (63-64?) and most of them died; old man was too poor to heat the greenhouse.

Then of course, there were mi pigeons.... but Foul Pest came long and we lost them