Ouchies

[CrazyPlantLady]

I recently acquired an Opuntia Rufida monstrose and it's in need of some repotting. The problem is, those glochids are nasty. Does anyone have a recommendation for gloves or other hand protection to keep glochids out of my fingers? I'm disinclined to use tongs because this plant is very small and I don't want to pop pads off yet.

There are actually three individual plants in this pot and I'm considering separating them. There is also a fallen pad that is now rooting and showing some new growth. Any thoughts on what shape of pot would be best for this species too as I am not well-versed in mini Opuntia.

[CactusFanDan]

Use disposable gloves. Glochids will ruin any non-disposable gloves. I tend to use a double layer of 'stab-proof' blue nitrile gloves, which keep out all glochids.

[CrazyPlantLady]

I was wondering if nitrile gloves would help. I have a box of black ones I use around the house for chemical tasks. Thanks a lot Cactus Fan Dan.

[DaveW]

A few wads of newspaper around it since you throw it away afterwards, glochids and all:-

http://www.bhg.com/videos/m/32071720/re ... t-pain.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Mind you regarding the next link I would just pick a Gymnocalycium like that up, but I do have 50+ years of carpenters callouses!

http://mrbrownthumb.blogspot.co.uk/2007 ... actus.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

And for the big ones:-

http://www.succulentsandmore.com/2011/0 ... actus.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The golden rule for re-potting any cactus is "hurry slowly" since any sudden movements or jerking of hands is likely to get you impaled.

[CrazyPlantLady]

Thanks for the ideas DaveW, but this plant is a little small to manipulate with newspaper. I used receipt paper I had laying around and even through that one layer, I was losing my dexterity.

[DaveW]

You need Phil to do it for you. He's got all the gear :-

http://www.bcss.org.uk/foruma/viewtopic ... a&start=10" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;