Columnar cacti revive quickly after transplanting.
Cacti come in many shapes and sizes, including tall, slender species commonly referred to as columnar cactus. Due to their height and spiny skin, columnar cacti prove challenging during transplant, but their shallow root system and innate hardiness help them survive and even prosper after transplant. Like most cacti, columnar cacti are best moved in early summer before conditions get too hot, but they survive transplant at any time of the year if not overwatered. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Prepare a hole for the columnar cactus before digging it up, using a pointed spade. Determine the width of the hole by measuring the diameter of the cactus and adding 6 inches. Make the depth equal to twice the diameter of the cactus. For instance, a cactus with a 12-inch diameter needs an 18-inch-wide and 24-inch-deep hole.
2. Put on work gloves before transplanting columnar cacti since most species are spiny and are likely to cause injury if handled bare-handed.
3. Mark the south-facing side of the columnar cactus with a dry-erase marker. Replanting the cactus facing the same direction helps it establish itself with minimal stress since the south-facing side of the cactus is already suited to dealing with direct sunlight.
4. Measure out 12 inches from the base of the columnar cactus. Etch out a 12-inch radius around the base of the cactus to use as a guide when digging it up.
5. Insert the blade of the pointed spade into the soil along the 12-inch guideline mark. Work it into the soil at a shallow angle to a depth of at least 10 inches.
6. Pry the columnar cactus loose from the ground. Lift it from the hole by working your hands underneath the root ball. Do not lift the cactus by its stalks.
7. Transport the columnar cactus to the prepared planting hole. Fill the bottom of the hole with a mix of 2 parts coarse sand and 1 part garden soil. Fill the hole just enough so the root ball of the columnar cactus rests at its original depth and the base of the cactus is flush with the surrounding ground.
8. Settle the columnar cactus into the planting hole with the marked side of the cactus facing south. Fill in around the roots with the coarse sand and soil. Spread a layer of coarse sand around the base of the cactus.
9. Hang a piece of 30 percent shade cloth above the columnar cactus for two to three weeks after transplanting to minimize stress on the plant. Remove the shade cloth once the flesh plumps out and it appears to be thriving.
10. Withhold watering for one week after transplanting the columnar cactus, then water to a depth of 2 inches. Water one more time once the soil dries out.
Tags: columnar cactus, after transplanting, base cactus, coarse sand, columnar cacti, around base, around base cactus
