Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Discuss hardy cacti grown outside all year.
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JuliaCactusLover
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Joined: Fri Oct 04, 2019 11:39 pm

Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Post by JuliaCactusLover »

I didn’t anticipate this cactus getting so huge when planting it years ago, and now it is so tall it is about to hit the ledge above it. What can I do?
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Steve Johnson
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Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Post by Steve Johnson »

JuliaCactusLover wrote: Sun Oct 06, 2019 5:10 pm I didn’t anticipate this cactus getting so huge when planting it years ago, and now it is so tall it is about to hit the ledge above it. What can I do?
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The only thing I can think of would be to cut a hole in the eaves so that the plant can keep growing up through it. I don't think there'd be a structural problem if you did that, although you may want to consult someone who can tell you for sure that you'd be fine doing it.
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My location: Los Angeles, CA (Zone 10b)
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ElieEstephane
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Location: Lebanon (zone 11a)

Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Post by ElieEstephane »

I imagine it should be flexible enough to bend it forward by stuffing something behind it to lead it away from the ledge
There are more cacti in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
One of the few cactus lovers in Lebanon (zone 11a) :mrgreen:
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Aiko
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Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Post by Aiko »

Or dig some dirt out so it starts to lean a bit away from the house, depending on how it has rooted. You might like to give it a bit of a push in the back to achieve this.
JuliaCactusLover
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Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Post by JuliaCactusLover »

Super happy for this community. I was able to solve the problem by supporting the cactus with a cardboard tube, to essentially push it forward in order to grow in front of the ledge... my supports won't hold in wet weather, but based on how fast the cactus is growing it should be "trained" by then. THANKS for your suggestions!! =D>
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wilsontucker
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Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Post by wilsontucker »

that is absolutely hilarious. thank you for including pics of the cardboard tubes.
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BennieAnTheJets
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Location: Virginia, USA (Zone 7a)

Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Post by BennieAnTheJets »

That is funny! Glad it worked out so well!
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