** Cutting Done Right? Advice? PHOTOS **

[naomiaileen]

Hey there. So I officially began cutting the large cacti from our work office. It’s very very tall, nearly touching the ceiling.

It’s a bit “leggy” so I wasn’t sure if should go ahead and cut the current piece I have cut into two .. would that be better since this piece is so long and thin.

I put cinnamon on the cut area and cut it with a sterile knife.

I have placed it in a back room that’s is pretty dark. The window in the room is frosted and partially covered. See pics.
Thanks!!

PS* this cactus was received for free when someone was getting rid of it and in poor condition so I’m just doing my best with it**

[ElieEstephane]

You've done well! Now leave it be for 10 days or so and replant it in new soil

[naomiaileen]

You've done well! Now leave it be for 10 days or so and replant it in new soil

Would you recommend I cut this long piece into 2? Since it's so thin on top?
i might wait till spring to plant it.. would that be ok?

I have another large piece to cut and root as well. I'll post pictures when i do so. thanks!!

[ElieEstephane]

You don't wanna cut the pieces too short. I guess 1-2 feet is good. I would cut the large one in 2 pieces. 1 thin and 1 fat.
Waiting for sping is okay if they are in a cold room. If not you have to root now.
I have conservations regarding the cinnamon though. Before rooting brush it all off as i will form a paste when wet and hold too much moisture.

[naomiaileen]

You don't wanna cut the pieces too short. I guess 1-2 feet is good. I would cut the large one in 2 pieces. 1 thin and 1 fat.
Waiting for sping is okay if they are in a cold room. If not you have to root now.
I have conservations regarding the cinnamon though. Before rooting brush it all off as i will form a paste when wet and hold too much moisture.

Thanks! If i cut it in half (which would leave them both still pretty long) Should i dust the top of the cut piece which will have two cut ends? Or only put the cinnamon on the base cut? thank you!

[naomiaileen]

You don't wanna cut the pieces too short. I guess 1-2 feet is good. I would cut the large one in 2 pieces. 1 thin and 1 fat.
Waiting for sping is okay if they are in a cold room. If not you have to root now.
I have conservations regarding the cinnamon though. Before rooting brush it all off as i will form a paste when wet and hold too much moisture.

Is it possibly not a good idea to have a piece with two cut ends? more chance of something going wrong?

[ElieEstephane]

No no problem at all but cut at an angle so if it rains on it rain will not collect in the crown

[ElieEstephane]

I personnally don't like cinnamon. Cacti callous over very well on their own. Kust make sure they are in a dry place

[naomiaileen]

Here are some update pictures!

[7george]

These cacti should root even in horizontal position given some time. Just keep it in shade, direct sun can rehydrate cuttings even more. Spraying also helps.

[naomiaileen]

These cacti should root even in horizontal position given some time. Just keep it in shade, direct sun can rehydrate cuttings even more. Spraying also helps.

Would it be better upright? Should I spray the entire thing or just the base? How often would you recommend? The base now smaller than when I originally cut it. I’m assuming loss of moisture which I had expected.. but would that cause problems with rooting? Thanks!

[7george]

Upright is better, this will prevent roots from the middle of the stem. The bottom cut would be better to keep dry, spray the stem above and the soil around. How often: 1 - 2 times a week is OK. And give the cacti some weeks time to root, the spring is coming.

[naomiaileen]

Upright is better, this will prevent roots from the middle of the stem. The bottom cut would be better to keep dry, spray the stem above and the soil around. How often: 1 - 2 times a week is OK. And give the cacti some weeks time to root, the spring is coming.

Would I stand it up in a pot with dry soil underneath but not planted into the soil till it roots? Sorry for so many questions! Thanks

[7george]

Would I stand it up in a pot with dry soil underneath but not planted into the soil till it roots?

It can be inside but how in this case you will know about emerging roots? Taking that cutting in and out the ground is not the best thing, better keep a closer eye on it. Another way: If that cactus is outdoors and after first rains it expands it would mean roots are there!

[naomiaileen]

Would I stand it up in a pot with dry soil underneath but not planted into the soil till it roots?

It can be inside but how in this case you will know about emerging roots? Taking that cutting in and out the ground is not the best thing, better keep a closer eye on it. Another way: If that cactus is outdoors and after first rains it expands it would mean roots are there!

I was only asking because i thought you are supposed to not put it in soil till it roots and calluses over? thanks