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Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2019 5:10 pm
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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Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2019 5:45 pm
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?
951892BA-83A0-410C-9369-240D95C2E9A0.jpeg
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.

Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2019 6:34 pm
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

Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Posted: Sun Oct 06, 2019 7:06 pm
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.

Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Posted: Wed Oct 16, 2019 10:46 pm
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>

Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Posted: Thu Oct 17, 2019 6:20 am
by wilsontucker
that is absolutely hilarious. thank you for including pics of the cardboard tubes.

Re: Help! Cactus running into a ledge

Posted: Mon Nov 11, 2019 1:05 am
by BennieAnTheJets
That is funny! Glad it worked out so well!