Planting Cactus

A Quick Tutorial From My Youtube Page

https://www.youtube.com/@CactusUncle

 

 

Cacti can be intimidating when you are considering replanting them due to their spines but I am here to offer advice that I learned the hard way! First I will introduce the tools I use to deal with thorns with a photo of each method in use to move, and then a photo of how to manipulate the cactus once planted to make sure its straight.

BBQ tongs (not sharp)

Old hose method which is my favorite tool for repotting chunkier cactus. I will demonstrate with a Trichocereus terscheckii Cactus that i neglected repotting for too long. 

You can see that this Cactus would not be glove friendly so using an old piece of hose or a clothe strap is easy and does not damage the Cactus. 

Using the hose as a point of leverage, lightly tap the pot and remove it from the rootball without damage 

Once the pot is removed the root ball is your second grabbing point. With the hose still around the top, grab the roots with your free hand and put it in your prepared pot with appropriate soil already in the bottom.

Keeping the hose attached for leverage, fill the sides of the new pot with soil and be sure to pack it down a bit. Use the hose as leverage to make sure the Cactus is straight and centered.

Make sure you use a fast draining soil intended for Cactus and keep in mind it is best to transplant early in the plants growing season. For example, Cactus should be planted or transplanted in Spring or Summer, not in late Fall and Winter.