Anyone know much about...

[Meagan]

Hi folks...

I have this cactus that I have had for years.  I have no idea what kind it is, just your typical cactus.  Well, a few weeks ago I realized the roots were coming out from the bottom of the pot, so I repotted it.  Well, let me tell you... I have 16 new arms growing off this plant!  I was wondering if there is a way of stabilizing the plant since it seems to be top heavy, and it seems to sway back and forth in the pot, so how would I anchor it down?  I know with orchids and other plants a stake is used, but would that work on a cactus?

Does anyone know anything about removing an arm and replanting it?  (I am taking about cacti still, not body parts)

 

[fatboy]

Hi Megan

Just cut the "arms" off where they join to the mother plant.
Let them sit for a couple of days so that the point where they were cut has a chance to dry out. You may want to dust it with some fungicide (powder is better than a liquid spray for cacti).

Then plant the arm and it will probably grow. Again you can use a rooting hormone if you want but they aren't that hard to grow.

Cheers, Troy.

 

[Meagan]

Thanx Troy.

What about stabalizing? Do you have any suggestions? I would hate to see the plant topple over!

 

[Dionaea Enthusiast]

Not sure if an orchid stake would work...no...

What you may want to try is making the base of the plant/pot area heavier--to lower the center of gravity. Next time you repot the plant, you'll want to include heavy materials in the mix like lava rock, gravel, grits. And use a clay pot--they're heavier than plastic.

Until then, avoid placing the plant in a windy/breezy area/window. And you may want to place clean stones on the soil surface, which can be removed and then replaced when you water the plant.

Chris

 

[Meagan]

Hmmm, have done all that already. I guess I need to keep my fingers crossed that it stays put.

Thanx anyway!