Twisted Peruvian Apple Cactus Cutting Black in Middle of Column

Trouble shoot problems you are having with your cactus.
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Wallace A
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Joined: Wed Oct 05, 2022 2:57 pm

Twisted Peruvian Apple Cactus Cutting Black in Middle of Column

Post by Wallace A »

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We planted this 4' cutting in a terra cotta pot with well draining cactus mix soil. Did water sparingly after planting the cutting. Black tissue formed within one day, and then white spots on top of the black.

Do I need to cut it in half to save it? Both above and below the black?
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greenknight
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Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:18 am
Location: SW Washington State zone 8b

Re: Twisted Peruvian Apple Cactus Cutting Black in Middle of Column

Post by greenknight »

I think I would cut that out. You should be able to root the top cut, this species roots easily.
Spence :mrgreen:
Wallace A
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Joined: Wed Oct 05, 2022 2:57 pm

Re: Twisted Peruvian Apple Cactus Cutting Black in Middle of Column

Post by Wallace A »

Thank you! I cut the top off and it looks great. There was black all the way down to the bottom callus, 3.5'
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greenknight
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Joined: Tue Apr 30, 2013 4:18 am
Location: SW Washington State zone 8b

Re: Twisted Peruvian Apple Cactus Cutting Black in Middle of Column

Post by greenknight »

As long as your cutting is clear of all discoloration, it should do fine. As a precaution it would be good to dust it with sulfur or other fungicide, but getting it cut off while you still had a good piece free of the rot was the most important part.

Next you need to let the cut dry and form a callus before you try to root it. Here's a video that shows a good method to support a big cutting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrg80CK3bPA

If it's laying on its side while it's healing, you need to turn it frequently or it will bend, might even send root out of the side that's on the bottom.
Spence :mrgreen:
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