Possible cereus? Let it grow, or start over?

[FriendshuhM]

I recently acquired the cactus below, I’m guessing some form of cereus (Cereus jamacaru was suggested on a FB post). To me it doesn’t appear that it’s been treated well. According to its last owner, it’s been in Minnesota most of its life, so limited winter sunshine can likely be expected. My first though was to remove the top cutting and start new roots. What would YOU do?

My biggest personal argument against that is, what if I just give it some love, and water, and fresh soil and sunshine and it decides to bloom for me? If I do the cutting, I’m almost guaranteeing it’ll be a few years…

It’s 42 inches tall, 1.5” at the base, 2” at its widest ‘stem’ location, barely an inch at its skinniest spot and nearly 2 inches as it flares back out at the top. The top looks like it started some nice healthy growth. It starts out with five ribs, but drops to four at the top.

[Aeonium2003]

As it was previously etiolated, I would suggest cutting off the healthy (non etiolated growth). Then root that as a cutting. As for the rest of it, I would cut off any etiolated material, and let it pup. (assuming you were to let it pup at the etiolated section, the thin parts may not be able to support the weight of the pups.)

[FriendshuhM]

etiolated: a new word for me! Looked it up and it meant what I assumed it meant. Thank you for the input!

I assume I could propagate the etiolated section ‘log’ style so any pups would have plenty of support (assuming the thin section has enough healthy energy to root). Have a healthy rooted top section, a rooted ‘log’ from the center section (or two) and the base section with existing roots should put out pups quite well.

As it was previously etiolated, I would suggest cutting off the healthy (non etiolated growth). Then root that as a cutting. As for the rest of it, I would cut off any etiolated material, and let it pup. (assuming you were to let it pup at the etiolated section, the thin parts may not be able to support the weight of the pups.)

[Aeonium2003]

Great Idea! I didn't think about doing it horizontally. That should work.

[greenknight]

It should work - if you leave a cactus cutting laying around too long and don't turn it over it will grow roots on the bottom side. It will probably send up multiple shoots. What will you do with all these starts - use them for grafting root stock?

[FriendshuhM]

It should work - if you leave a cactus cutting laying around too long and don't turn it over it will grow roots on the bottom side. It will probably send up multiple shoots. What will you do with all these starts - use them for grafting root stock?

I am considering making a grafted ‘tree’ from the base rootstock. It will be my first time grafting and looks like a fascinating project. I have not done any checking yet to make sure everything is compatible, just very early stage ‘pondering’…

Not mine, just a photo I came across: