Hi guys,
About a few years ago, i got my first cactus. It was a pilosocereus glaucochrous, which came with many stems or so.
As a year went by, it appeared to have gotten spider mites, which I did not know what was wrong at the time... Eventually was left with one as all the others shrivelled
and went crusty. Its kind of stunted its growth I believe, as its always been in my conservatory and grows very well in there now.
Last year it got wounded by a broom stick on a windy day, which again stunted its growth for a while.
However although healthy now, its started to get top heavy and wobbles when ever I move it. I worry it might snap one day.
Do I bury it deeper or should I cut the top half?
And also one last question.
Does any one know what causes a cactus to stop growing a rib??
Thanks very much
Top Heavy Pilosocereus
Re: Top Heavy Pilosocereus
You could just chop it. The base is never going to fatten up enough to support the new growth. It also looks like it has a significant scar. If you chop just above that you'll end up with a nicer plant. On the downside, it will be shorter, probably won't get roots until next year, and might possibly die.
--ian
Re: Top Heavy Pilosocereus
Thanks for your advise Ian.
If I was to give it a chop, when is the best time to do it? Now, or should I wait till next spring?
This is a difficult decision now as I haven't seen this species in my local garden centres since I got this one.
If I was to give it a chop, when is the best time to do it? Now, or should I wait till next spring?
This is a difficult decision now as I haven't seen this species in my local garden centres since I got this one.
- greenknight
- Posts: 4819
- Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:18 am
- Location: SW Washington State zone 8b
Re: Top Heavy Pilosocereus
The best time to take cuttings is in the Spring, just after growth has commenced. Don't worry too much, the base should produce new growth as well.
Spence