Q. I am growing new cacti from pads cut from the mother
plant. You recommended I amend my soil with either compost or manure before
planting the pads. I used a local planting soil which was cheap but not a good
decision, I discovered. Can I amend this soil and “fix” it?
plant. You recommended I amend my soil with either compost or manure before
planting the pads. I used a local planting soil which was cheap but not a good
decision, I discovered. Can I amend this soil and “fix” it?
A. You probably can. However, the soil should not be “fluffy”
but firm after it’s been watered. If it’s “fluffy”, the cactus will fall over
when it gets taller. It will also fall over, or possibly die, if watered too
often, watered frequently with small amounts of water, or if water is applied
only around its base. Use native desert soil whenever possible, mix in a small
amount of manure and build a three-foot basin around the plant for containing
enough water applied to it. Water it every three or four weeks in the summer,
filling the basin to its brim.
but firm after it’s been watered. If it’s “fluffy”, the cactus will fall over
when it gets taller. It will also fall over, or possibly die, if watered too
often, watered frequently with small amounts of water, or if water is applied
only around its base. Use native desert soil whenever possible, mix in a small
amount of manure and build a three-foot basin around the plant for containing
enough water applied to it. Water it every three or four weeks in the summer,
filling the basin to its brim.
The area around the pads can have a basin built to keep the water from getting away. Monitor the soil moisture to know when to irrigate again. |
Make sure
all cuts have healed before planting the pad or it can become infected and rotten.
To be done on the safe side, apply a copper fungicide like Bordeaux to the
bottom fourth of the pad before planting. This helps keep wounds from rotting
when it first get started.
all cuts have healed before planting the pad or it can become infected and rotten.
To be done on the safe side, apply a copper fungicide like Bordeaux to the
bottom fourth of the pad before planting. This helps keep wounds from rotting
when it first get started.
If laid flat the pads will curl over night. Stack them vertically until they are used. |
Plant
the entire pad so its flat surfaces are facing east and west and one third of
it extends below the soil. Water the entire basin and let it soak into the soil
12 inches deep. The roots will form from the pad using stored water taken from them.
the entire pad so its flat surfaces are facing east and west and one third of
it extends below the soil. Water the entire basin and let it soak into the soil
12 inches deep. The roots will form from the pad using stored water taken from them.