Propogating a cactus
It has big heavy ball like branches, knobs.
I would like to take off one or more of the knobs and replant. This is to big to move ...it must weigh 40 pounds. Is this even possible?
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Marvin R on Jan 24, 2012Love this cactus George ive never seen blooms like tha before!!Helpful Reply
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Ricardo B on Jan 24, 2012The 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 best) and manually pulling off a few cactus domes and doing the same thing may just give you bragging rights later, George.Helpful Reply
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Tri-Lite Builders ~ Homework Remodels on Jan 24, 2012My 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.Helpful Reply
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George K on Jan 24, 2012Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas. I may have to do research! LOLHelpful Reply
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3po3 on Jan 24, 2012If 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: 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?Helpful Reply
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George K on Jan 24, 2012Thanks Steve!!Helpful Reply
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Douglas Hunt on Jan 25, 2012My 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.Helpful Reply
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George K on Jan 25, 2012Thanks,Douglas! Sounds good!Helpful Reply
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Ellen A on Jan 25, 2012Yes!!! 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!Helpful Reply
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George K on Jan 25, 2012I feel newly empowered to propagate! I will wait till spring, even though the climate is considered mild here in NC.Helpful Reply
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Douglas Hunt on Jan 26, 2012Good luck, George. It would be great to have some babies of such a handsome cactus.Helpful Reply
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George K on Apr 18, 2012Good news!! I have 2 baby cacti now, and the bulbs seem ok, they have bloomed!!!Helpful Reply
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3po3 on Apr 18, 2012That is good news. Congratulations on your new babies.Helpful Reply
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Douglas Hunt on Apr 19, 2012Awesome news, George.Helpful Reply
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Ellen A on Jun 05, 2012So 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...Helpful Reply
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Sherrie S on Jun 14, 2012George K, that is one beautiful cactus. The only place I have ever seen one that nice was Arizona.Helpful Reply
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Peace Painting Co., Inc. on Jul 01, 2012Can it be left outside during the winter? It is very pretty.Helpful Reply
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George K on Jul 16, 2012In reply to Peace Painting, we pull the big cacti ( both) into the garage for the winter. They get sun, but less extremes of temp.Helpful Reply
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Peace Painting Co., Inc. on Jul 16, 2012That sounds most typical. I would like to plant more desert/cactus like plants around our house but need to do more research before. Thanks!Helpful Reply
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Ricardo B on Jul 17, 2012Note to Cacti Lovers: 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 just bought two small agave for two bucks. So far, they're enjoying me following this advice.Helpful Reply
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George K on Jul 17, 2012@ 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.Helpful Reply
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Sherrie S on Jul 17, 2012Ricardo 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.Helpful Reply
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Ricardo B on Jul 18, 2012Point 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!Helpful Reply
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Bernice H on Aug 10, 2012This is so gorgeous, thanks everyone for posting, I have learned a lot!Helpful Reply
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Marilyn Zaruba on Jun 17, 2016They are so pretty, but I fell into a large one as a child and will never have them in my yard. That was a very painful and long process getting them out.Helpful Reply
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