Introduction
This works on cacti that have a main body with limbs (instead of succulents). Remember to have protective gloves and that it may take some time for the cactus to heal back to its original state. Our guide will allow the option to mend the cacti that you have been growing for a long time, instead of feeling like your cactus is a lost cause.
Tools
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First, check the status of your cactus by assessing its dryness. If it feels dried out, an extra step will have to be taken.
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If the wound is still fresh, you can proceed to Step 4.
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If the wound is too dry (feels rough and appears calloused), please proceed to Step 3.
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If the wound seems too dry, use the knife and cut off a thin slice (about a quarter inch) of the dry area of each side of the broken cactus limb.
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Take the broken cactus piece and reattach it carefully to the main body of the cactus.
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Make sure to align the cambium (center ring of cactus) on each piece properly.
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Use the string to tie cactus together. A simple string like embroidery floss works fine.
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Wind the string around your cactus carefully. Make sure to cross the string over the other, creating a perpendicular line.
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Repeat this step multiple times until you have wound the string above and below the wound.
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The string should be tight enough to create support for the cactus.
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Alternatively, you can take the broken cactus piece to plant a new cactus!
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To start the self-propagation process, take the planting pot and fill it with potting soil.
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Unlike the previous steps, let the broken cactus limb dry out in a shady area in room temperature for about 2 days (or until the end calluses over).
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Having a calloused piece prevents the cactus from drying out completely and stops plant diseases from entering and infecting the wound.
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Once the piece is properly calloused, take the cactus and press it gently into the soil. The piece should be resting slightly in the soil and does not have to be buried deep.
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However, if the broken limb is large, bury the cut end of the limb until it can fully support itself on its own in the soil.
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Regularly water the cactus by misting the soil. Do not over water since this can lead to rot!
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Once it becomes apparent that the cactus is fully healed, remove the string.
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With the appropriate care of your cactus, it should be fully healed and continue to grow!
3 comments
Thank you , help me a lot! I accidentally cut off my cactus because i though it was rotten after the plant under it rotting from too much water. Here's cactus for you đđ”đ”đ”đ
I am looking for a way to obstruct the holes a woodpecker created in a Saguaro Cactus. This plant is 100+ years old and 25+ feet all with three fully developed arms. The solution must be able to withstand 120 degree weather in summer. Any Suggestions?
Bonjour. Mon cactus hĂ©rissĂ© (Austrocylindropuntia subulata ) a deux troncs de 1m90 que je bichonnais depuis 20 ans Ă basculĂ© dans la nuit. Les deux apex ont Ă©tĂ© cassĂ©s. J'en ai Ă©tĂ© trĂšs triste. Je suis tombĂ© sur ce site et vu qu'il Ă©tait peut ĂȘtre possible de les "recoller" sur leurs troncs respectifs. J'ai donc dĂ©coupĂ© des rondelles au cutter, ai repositionnĂ© les tĂȘtes sur leurs troncs et les ai fixĂ©es avec un ruban adhĂ©sif de tapisserie en Ă©vitant les entrĂ©es d'air
.J'ai conservé un tronçon trop long de 15 cm a faire sécher avant de le planter. On verra dans quelques semaines ce qui a réussi et ne manquerai pas d'en faire part sur ce site.