Q: I had to cut limbs off of my organ pipe cactus and another tubular cactus because they were blocking the sidewalk to my house. Can I transplant those limbs? Hate to throw them away.
A: The short answer is yes. My retired colleague, Jack Kelly, described the steps this way. First, in case you didn’t already, you should make sure the cut you made to remove the cutting from the parent plant was with a sharp knife so the parent plant will have an easier time sealing the wound. Cutting at a 45 degree angle will protect the parent plant by reducing the chance of water collecting in the wounded area. Square off the base of the cutting, dust with sulfur and/or rooting compounds and let air dry for up to several months until the cut is callused over to prevent rot. Most cactus species are propagated during August through October when nighttime temperatures are 60 degrees or above and soil temperatures are warm and conducive to rooting. After the callus has formed, fill a container with 50 percent pumice or perlite and 50 percent peat or compost. Cuttings should be placed deeply enough in the container so the cuttings will not fall over. Irrigate the cuttings when the soil is slightly damp, and keep them in a bright area. Light levels are important. The dappled shade of a tree will often provide a great location for rooting to occur. With most species, rooting should occur within 4 to 6 weeks in summer. For some species such as organ pipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi), rooting may take several months. Once the cuttings are rooted, the growing tip will show signs of new growth. At this time the cuttings will become “plump,” indicating that roots have formed and that water and nutrient uptake has occurred. Cuttings may be grown in 1 or 2 gallon containers for up to a year without requiring transplanting.
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Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to tucsongardensage@gmail.com
