Cactus transplanting question (Misc.)

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I have a cactus plant that has outgrown its container. How in the heck do I transplant it without getting nailed by al those stickers?

-- Jay Blair in N. AL (jayblair678@yahoo.com), January 15, 2002

Answers

Wrap the area you need to hold it by with crumpled newspaper or cardboard. Handle gently.

-- Joe (CactusJoe001@AOL.com), January 15, 2002.

Rolled up newspaper in a long tube then wrapped around the cactus works with some kinds. Heavy leather gloves work also, as do tongs. Depending on the size of the cactus and the type, sometimes you can lay them on their side with the pot hanging over the edge of the table, or better yet outside in summer on a hillside to lay the cactus against the side of the hill and change the pot. No matter how careful, I always seem to get stuck sooner or later.

-- Bernadette Kerr (bernadette_kerr@hotmail.com), January 15, 2002.

If it's a big, strong cactus that can easily take the injury in stride, simply poke a few forks or other sharp imlements into it and use them to transport your plant to it's new pot. You can also use skewers, but be sure that the cactus won't spin on the axis when you lift, as having to catch it would negate the purpose.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), January 15, 2002.

On the same note (kindof), does anyone know of a good website for cacti and succulent identification? My DD has started some for 4H, but we have no idea what they are! Thanks!

-- Lisa in WI (llehman16@hotmail.com), January 15, 2002.

My DH, proprietor of "Cactus Land", says that pain is a part of cactus ownership. You can try lightly wrapping the cactus with newspaper, a towel or a piece of foam to give you a cushioned surface to grip. If it is a very delicate cactus, you might try gently placing your fingers in between the spines. You might try loosening the soil away from the pot with a butter knife, then laying the pot on it's side and gently tap the bottom of the pot so that the cactus comes out. Then you can gingerly pick up the cactus and put it in it's new pot. Remember that most cactus like to be a bit pot bound.

-- Cindy in NY (cjpopeck@worldnet.att.net), January 15, 2002.


When I clean cactus pads to cook, I hold them with pliers!

-- cowgirlone in OK (cowgirlone47@hotmail.com), January 15, 2002.

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