How to Transport a Cactus

Remove the cactus from the ground if it is not already out or in a pot. Take a garden hose and wrap it around the cactus. The hose should be around the widest part of the cactus, slightly below the plant's midpoint.

Turn the cactus on its side by shifting the hose and trim away any damaged parts of the roots using gardening shears.

Pull both ends of the hose to lift the cactus up. If the cactus is particularly large, this may take two people.

Leave the cactus on its side and let the roots dry in the shade for two days, or until the cut roots have scabbed over to prevent pathogens from entering the plant.

Using the hose, lift the cactus onto a hand truck with padding. Again, this may take two people. From here, you can roll the hand truck to the cactus's new location or to your vehicle if you plan to transport the cactus by car or truck.

Pad your car or vehicle to create a soft space for the cactus that will not damage its spine and ribs. You can use similar materials to the padding on the handcart, which might include blankets or foam padding.

Once you have brought your cactus to its new location, unload it first from the vehicle in the handtruck, then from the handtruck to the ground using the hose, as before.