The answer is maybe! I've actually taken prickly pear cactus and removed ears at the very base of where it naturally attaches to another ear. I let it sit in the shade for a few days to dry off, then set the base of the ear in moist (not wet) and course sand. It will take a long time for it to root, but root it does.
I can't help but think that putting on a pair of heavy leather gloves (welding gloves work
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best) and manually pulling off a few cactus domes and doing the same thing may just give you bragging rights later, George.
My experience with Arizona cactus transplants has been the same. I had a client that lost a giant saguaro cactus and successfully transplanted one of its arms.
If you take your cutting carefully, I don't see how you can go wrong. If it doesn't take, you still have your pretty cactus. The Arizona cooperative extension people (where they really know their cacti) have this guide to propagating cacti:
Also, even if you can't carry this across the yard, can you maybe get some help lifting it onto some type of dolly or maybe even a neighborhood kid's skateboard?
My experience with prickly pear suggests cacti transplant pretty easily. When I had an "ear" break off of one I just stuck it in our sandy soil and it rooted. Good luck with yours.
Yes!!! Each one of those 'arms' as you called them, is actually a 'baby' cactus. Thats how it reproduces...each one of those arms may be removed. After removal, simply place the removed arm on top of soil, either in the ground or in a pot...have the soil slightly moist, not wet, and sit back and wait. It should form it's new roots within a month. Of course u shouldnt do this during the winter months unless u put it indoors or you're in a very warm climate. Need any more help? Feel free to email me!
So glad for your success. You can do this with any type of cactus. they root easily and readily. I have one simular to yours only it puts off HUGE white blooms. interested in a trade? Let me know...
Do NOT baby them, fuss over them, feed them nor provide abundant water. The care and maintenance book should be only two words, for the most part... "Ignore Them". If they like where they have been placed, they'll thrive.
I'm now living in the great Far West again after having lived in Georgia for over 20 years and
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just bought two small agave for two bucks. So far, they're enjoying me following this advice.
@ Ricardo..But a potted Cactus needs some care and attention. They are not outside. Mine are in huge pots. Of course we don't over-water.. But we do fertilize.
Ricardo B, I agree with you when cactus are outside, leave them alone. Inside I would kill everyone in error. George K I am impressed with your cactus.
Point taken regarding inside vs outside. One thing I've learned out here... ouch, don't walk outside bearfoot! Cactus, Yucca, goat head and thistle thorns are everywhere!
I can't help but think that putting on a pair of heavy leather gloves (welding gloves work ...»
http://ag.arizona.edu/pubs/garden/az1483.pdf ...»
Also, even if you can't carry this across the yard, can you maybe get some help lifting it onto some type of dolly or maybe even a neighborhood kid's skateboard?
Do NOT baby them, fuss over them, feed them nor provide abundant water. The care and maintenance book should be only two words, for the most part... "Ignore Them". If they like where they have been placed, they'll thrive.
I'm now living in the great Far West again after having lived in Georgia for over 20 years and ...»