Help! Can I repot during the winter?

[distortedperception]

Hi folks!

I'm brand new to the world of cacti cultivation. I just bought this gorgeous little creature yesterday, but it came in a mason jar with no drainage whatsoever. After doing some reading, I'm seeing that this is a big ol' no-no, but I'm hesitant to repot it during its winter dormancy phase without some feedback first. Also, to add in, I live in Arizona, so it's not all that cold here. There are also pieces that naturally fell off that I want to attempt to transplant, but I'm wondering if because it's winter if that would be a fool's errand. I've attached some photos as well, and if anyone can ID it that would be wonderful!

M.A.

[leland]

No problem, just don't water until it warms up a little. You are correct to not leave it in a container without drainage holes.

When I lived in the desert I pretty much skipped watering outdoor cactus in December and January. Most don't grow in the cold and it's not worth risking root rot.

[distortedperception]

Would you happen to know if it's viable to try to transplant those pieces at this time? Thanks for the reply!

[luigonz]

Yes I would put the little pups that fell of into another pot..they root pretty easily. I think you can water once the weather warms up a bit. I cant really tell from the picture but you might want to add a little more grit/non-organic to your potting mix. this will help prevent rot.

[DaveW]

Afraid the red spines are dye though, a bit of deception to sell the plants, the yellow spines are it's natural colour.

See:-

http://www.cactiguide.com/forum/viewtop ... =2&t=34799" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[distortedperception]

Thank you all for the replies! And those jerks... I suppose time will tell. Now looking at them, it does seem like a really unnatural color.

[greenknight]

There are cacti that have spines nearly that color - that's not one of them, though.