Annie Lancaster
| A cactus cutting must be “calloused over,”
meaning the cut end of the pad is dry and has sealed itself over in order
to protect itself. Cuttings cannot take in water, a cactus plant must have roots to absorb water, just
as other plants do.
Place your calloused cutting into a container
with good drainage holes. Do not cover the holes up with broken pottery,
rocks, or other items (used often when transplanting other types
of plants.) Doing so will slow drainage.
You may wish to dip your cutting in a rooting hormone/ fungicide preparation to protect against fungus and stimulate new roots. You can get enough for planting your cuttings HERE. Place the cutting approximately 1 to 2 inches into the soil. Pack soil down firmly! DO NOT WATER for 2 to 4 weeks. Then water well, and allow to dry. Let soil remain dry for an additional 2 to 4 weeks before watering again. Over watering is the most common problem with growing cactus. Remember, these plants live in areas which have very little annual rainfall. Place in a bright, warm, sunny location. Plant outdoors if possible after danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed for the season. Plants may need to be protected for the first couple of years until they establish and harden off. Cactus will begin to root in anywhere form 2 to 6 weeks. When roots have established, the plant will then start to show new growth. Winter is “dormant” season for cactus. Do not water after October 1st unless plant looks noticeably shriveled. Water held by the cactus pads can freeze, killing the entire plant, and will also cause root rot and fungus problems Keeping cacti dry and cool during winter is essential. Even indoor cactus plants require less water during the winter months. Do not allow water to collect into a saucer beneath the pot, cactus roots do not like continued exposure to moisture. Allow the saucer to collect any water that does drain, and replace the saucer without water in it. Following these instructions, your cactus should do well and last many years. |
