If a cactus breaks off, what do you do? All right, after you calm down, what do you do? If the answer is to throw it away. . . Stop! Do not throw the broken piece away. Take the piece and replant it. In about a month, it will grow roots and you will have a new cactus.
Not only is this a good way to add to your cactus collection, it makes a wonderful gift for someone who likes cacti as much as you. One of the nice things about cactus plants is they don’t require much care. You can neglect it for weeks or sometimes months, and not have to worry about it dying. They grow slowly and are native to the Americas where they are often found growing in the deserts. Cacti are also known as succulents, but not all succulents are cactus.
Handle With Care
When handling the cactus, put on a pair of leather gloves to protect your hands. Some cacti have spines and they can come away from the cactus and embed themselves into your finger. Some spines are so tiny that you need a magnifier and tweezers to remove them, while others are almost like a porcupine quill. Either way, you don’t want them in your fingers, hands, or arms. There are some cacti that shoot their spiny needles out at you without even touching them.
Look at the bottom of the cactus where it was attached to the plant. If it is crooked or uneven, cut it with a knife it to make it even. Lay the broken section on a piece of paper and allow the end to dry or callous over. There is no set amount of time that this takes. It depends on how much humidity is in the air and the thickness of the cactus.
Choose The Right Pot
When the end is dry and sealed over, it is time to put the cutting into a pot. Choose the right sized pot for the cactus. A tall cactus plant will need a bigger pot, unlike a small button-type cactus that requires a smaller pot. Fill the pot with a cactus soil mix.
You can buy cactus potting soil at most garden supply centers, or make your own. There are many recipes to making your own and everyone has a favorite. The important part of this it to make sure it is well-draining. One general recipe that is easy to remember is mixing equal amounts of potting soil, coarse builders sand and peat moss.
When you fill your pots with soil, cover the drainage holes with pieces of shard. This will allow the water to drain away easily, while keeping the soil in the pot.
Insert the Cactus in Soil
Once again, if your cactus has spines on it, put on a pair of gloves so you won’t get hurt as you handle the cactus. Insert the calloused end into the soil. Firm the soil around the cutting to help hold it upright.
Caring for The Cutting
Place the cacti in a warm location. Choose an area with bright light or sunlight. Withhold watering the soil for 2 to 4 weeks. When you do give the cactus some water, wet the soil thoroughly.
If your pot is sitting in another container, dump out the water. The pot should not set in standing water or the cactus will rot. Allow the soil to totally dry out before watering again. It can take two to six weeks before any roots form.
Treat the cactus as you would a mature cactus.
Sources:
“The World of Cactus and Succulents;” Alice Quiros and Barbara L. Young; 1977
“Complete Book of Cacti and Succulents;” Terry Hewitt; 1997
