Replanting a cactus with no root.?
Question:We-ve grown a desert cactus for about 10 years now, but a few months ago it started not feeling so good (turned yellow at it's base). Now it broke into two pieces, the root is a greenish paste and the tip had many small white bugs inside. We decided to cut off the yellow part and try to replant the tip. The first question is: will it grow it it is cut, not broken, I didn't know we should have broken it :( Second, what should we do to replant it, to grow new roots? We left it in a cup of water, but I've also seen many saying it should just be left to dry for a week. And third: where did the bugs come from? Is it possible from the soil bought from the supermarket, or overwatering it made it a bit weaker? We also have another plant in the same type of soil, is it safe there?
I would realy love to see it growing again since it's been in our family for so long :,(
Answers:
This info I found in my books on Success with House Plants. Here it is.
Cuttings can be taken from any cactus. It is the easiest way and most used method. Apart from being a good means of getting more cacti, it is an excellant way to save a cactus suffering from root rot. The cactus may have been overwatered or the plant may have been attacked by the root mealy bugs. Whatever the trouble, cuttings are often the only means of saving the plants.
The best time to take cuttings are in April-June. Of course, cuttings can be taken at other times but getting them to grow can be a bit trickier.
New cuttings should not be planted in the soil immediately. Cacti contain watery sap which is the ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Wait until the cut surfaces are dry. The amount of time this takes will depend on the type of cactus, but 3-4 days is usually sufficient. If it starts to shrivel it has been left too long.
Once the cutting has dried, plant it in porous, well-drained soil. Commercial cactus soil is excellent for the purpose. It is made up of redwood compost, pumice and sand in about equal portions. The compost retains moisture while the pumice and sand allow for good drainage. Wet soil fosters the growth of bacteria and fungi. Discourage the fungi by dipping the lower end of the cutting into hormone rooting powder containing a fungicide. Another method is to plant cuttings in straight pumice. This does not hold as much moisture but still allows root formation while discouraging disease.
The cacti will prefer dry air. Set the cuttings on top of the soil do not bury them too deep or they will rot. Give the cuttings plenty of sunlight until root formation is will under way. Moisten the soil initially, then only very sparingly until roots have formed.
I hope this helps you. Sounds like you will be able to do these things and you should be able to enjoy your plant many more years.
Hi:
I grew cactus in my greenhouse a few years ago. I had a couple of them that grew about one and a half feet tall. I had four shoots fall off. Don't put them in water. I put the shoots in a sand base soil with some humus. Rub some hormone growth (powder form) on the base of their roots. Don't over water just keep the soil moist. This should take care of it and they will slowly grow. Good luck to you and let me know how you make out. Take a look at other landscape and plant tips, solutions and ideas at my website below. P.S. - you can find hormone growth at about any store. Also, bugs can transfer from other plants close by and also by over watering.
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