Root Establishment

Ciriaca · Post by **Ciriaca** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:02 am

Just out of curiosity, approximately how long after repotting a bare-rooted cactus does it take for the roots to settle in?

Post by **daiv** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:05 am

This question has come up before. It can be different in every case. Some cacti get settled in and establish themselves in a week or two. Others seem to lag on for months and do nothing. In the case of the latter, I've had success with restarting the whole process.

Ciriaca · Post by **Ciriaca** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 5:19 am

daiv,

Is there a way to help the roots to establish during the repotting process? I may have missed a step.

Bill in SC · Post by **Bill in SC** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 1:10 pm

I think a lot of it has to do with temperature. If it is real warm , or hot, naturally the plants will start up quicker. Just be sure to wait about a week to water them after planting bare rooted plants. This gives any damaged roots a chance to heal before they touch water.. I have some plants coming in this week from Miles. I am somewhat concerned that they may not have time to settle in, or produce any new roots before I cease watering for the year. Not to worry though as Miles' plants will be large enough to withhold water until spring... I would still like to get one or two waterings in for them before I cut them off for the year..
bill in SC

Ciriaca · Post by **Ciriaca** » Mon Sep 25, 2006 2:07 pm

Bill in SC said :

I would still like to get one or two waterings in for them before I cut them off for the year..

That was my exact thought!

I was concerned that the wait before watering to allow the roots and stem to heal prevented any moisture to draw the roots into the soil, thus rendering my plant a little insecure and vulnerable. But still I waited, realizing the importance. Upon its first watering, my plant immediately drank it up. A few more waterings will help before cut-off season. This should tighten up any root instability in the mean-time.

Thanks!

fred · Post by **fred** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:52 am

Bill,
Are you getting that green sulcorebutia raushii? Post a pic when it comes! They are beauties and I've thought about getting one but hesitate because of the late season.

Bill in SC · Post by **Bill in SC** » Wed Sep 27, 2006 11:04 am

I'll post it when it arrives Fred!
BB in SC

taliesin · Post by **taliesin** » Thu Sep 28, 2006 9:13 am

I had some cuttings/offsets sent to me this year and they took about three weeks; this was in july