Looks like we have success. :D I'm afraid the one in the ground the infection might be spreading. But it's so hydrated it looks like it's ready to pop. It will be interesting to see what happens with it. The piece with the new paddle is no longer wrinkled. And I think the new paddle has doubled in s...

If they need repotting,I would probably first lightly spray them with a garden hose to make sure they aren't in there. Then unpot them. And lightly clean the roots with the hose to be certain they are clean. Let them sit a few days with no soil. Then repot them and relocate them inside for a couple ...

Whoops, forgot to say how big. It's about 5 inches. It sure would be happier outside with some direct morning sun if possible. It could stand afternoon sun also. But keep in mind that while they love sunlight. Cactus can get sunburn just like people. I myself mark pots so I know which side is used ...

Personally I would prefer black gold over miracle grow. You didn't say how big your cactus is. A golden barrel can get pretty big. But if possible,it would be happier outside getting some sun. Of course if it were to go outside then we have rain. In that case,about any store bought cactus mix would ...

Interesting development. The part that looked rotten that was on the bottom that I put in the direct sun and rain has inflated. The areoles also seem to be "growing" for a lack of better description. I also think it has rooted because pulling up on it I feel a lot of resistance. I have sun...

My reasoning behind planting it with the new paddle touching the soil came from a box store opuntia I bought last summer that isn't cold hardy. While it's different variety,they grow and reproduce in the same way. If this one was touching soil instead of a board I'm pretty sure it would be putting d...

I somewhat followed Steves advice. I have it partially buried,but very little is under the soil. I wanted to give the new paddle a chance to put down roots if it wants to go that way. I have yet put it in full sun,which might be part of the problem. But with no roots I would think it would cook in n...

Thanks Jerry :) I already have the book. I believe I bought it last fall. I saw where you were talking about it in the archives,and ordered one. My odds of success would be far greater if i were 40 years old instead of 62. But as they say. The best time to plant a tree was 40 years ago,the next best...

Just wondering what "clever" tools or devices others on here might have. One I didn't think i would ever use for cactus is a Bonsai soil sifter. Seedlings get finer grit and perlite etc. Bigger cactus get heavier grit sifted out and put on top. Cactus soil often has things we don't want in...

The girl I got the cutting from leaves these outside year around. (-10F or lower in KC usually happens several nights per year) But I brought these cuttings inside when it got really cold last winter. The cold hardy cactus websight has a good number of different opuntias good for -10 as long as they...

Unpottted today to find no roots. The back half under the soil didn't look very healthy,and after unpotting it,the decision to cut it is an easy one. I think the new paddle grew a little over the last week. The cut edges seem fairly moist,and have a feeling the one with the new paddle will root. The...

Trichocereus huascha andalgala update. Seedlings are still doing way beyond expectations. Putting most of them in single pots and sneaking them outside. Still have no idea what I will do with so many cacti. But the are guinea pigs,and it's a long hot summer. If they are still alive this time next ye...

Just my thoughts-- I would dry the potting mix and try the paint brush again to look for roots. Then, ... ? Bisect the currently buried paddle an inch or two above the soil line with a sharp blade and allow both to callus, then plant the top section that's trying to be viable to a reasonable depth ...

I would leave it alone myself. Hopefully someone with more experience than me will respond. But i feel the brown spines are more a symptom and not the disease,and the infection on the spines probably came from the stem. Which is not promising. I'm afraid you will have to just keep cutting and cutting.

Sorry I put up that last post without seeing the picture with the brown spines.
But whatever you do don't water it. Cactus go for months without water,and water or even humidity is the last thing your cactus needs.