How to Fix a Broken Cactus

Cactuses, for all their prickly personalities, are popular ornamental plants. Just because they are low-maintenance, however, doesn't mean that they are maintenance-free: a seriously stressed cactus can lose a limb, damaging both the cactus itself and your self-confidence as an amateur gardener. These broken cactuses, however, are hardly lost causes. With the proper knowledge, a broken cactus can be fixed - saving both your cactus, and your pride.

Instructions

- 1
  Check your broken limb for any soft, mushy spots. These spots could be fungal soft rot, and should be excised immediately with a sharp knife.
- 2
  Lay out your broken limbs in a warm place, and let sit for fourteen days to dry. This time period will allow the broken edge to heal over, so that they can be returned to the soil.
- 3
  Check the dried limbs, again, for mushy spots as before. If you find any spots, remove them as before and let your limbs sit out to dry for a few days longer. Double check that your drying place is sufficiently free of moisture or dampness.
- 4
  Plant the freshly-dried cactus, stem-down, about 2-3 inches deep into soft cactus soil, or a potting soil and pebble mix depending on your climate.
- 5
  Let the limb sit in the soil, without water, for a couple of weeks until the soil dries out completely. Only at this point can you water thoroughly. Wait another few weeks for the soil to dry completely, and water again. With luck, your broken limb will spring back to life.

How to Plant a Cactus

How to Grow Succulents

Growing Cactus