My sick saguaro!

[Steve Johnson]

Yep, that's what I did with the cutting I mentioned:

Echinocereus_pectinatus_'Coahuila'03082015a.jpg (92.28 KiB) Viewed 4312 times

When the exposed surface is completely dry, shake off the excess sulfur powder -- think I did that about a month after I had to give the Echinocereus a "rootectomy". When you do the same, keep the cutting upside down in the pot. If you see little white root stubs starting to appear on the exposed surface, it'll be a very good sign. Can't tell you when that'll happen, so as I said earlier -- be patient. If you're lucky enough to see it happen in 3 months, repot the cutting in your "rooting pot". If not, do the repot in April, and that's when you should add an LED grow light to your indoor setup.

THANK YOU!!!

You're welcome, and best of luck!

[Deanavn]

Hello everyone!

I don't think this is right. There is a line of black all around the edge and it is a little soft.

Do I try again?

Thank you.

It is not letting me post additional pictures. I tried starting a new thread, but I am getting the same "attachments maximum" error.

[Ilvin]

The picture you're trying to attach could be too large - I'm fairly certain there's a file maximum for individual pictures in this forum. There's a post about re-sizing images up the top of the page.

I'm sorry to hear your cutting has continued to rot, that's happened to me for both cacti I've had that had contracted rot. I think it tends to move further up the stem before later becoming visible.
I wouldn't cut again until you're sure its more rot, I realise that in the meantime if it is rot it will be spreading, but you do seem to be running out of potentially healthy cactus.

[Deanavn]

Trying to attach photos again resized.

Seems like it will go this time.

[Steve Johnson]

Sorry, but that doesn't look good. Your friend from Arizona had good intentions, but apparently he didn't realize that Saguaros are difficult to grow outside of their native range in the Sonoran desert. Trying to root them as cuttings is even more difficult. I'm afraid that A. the humidity in South Florida, and B. lack of free airflow in your house are working against you.

[Deanavn]

I figured as much. He lived in the house with me for 23 years but getting knocked off the windowsill let the fungus in.

I am not giving up, but I am also setting myself realistic expectations that he probably won't make it.

[Deanavn]

Update: The black has not moved or changed. I am trying not to get my hopes up, but it is looking a little more like the photos of cuttings I have seen.

I remain patient.

[Steve Johnson]

Update: The black has not moved or changed. I am trying not to get my hopes up, but it is looking a little more like the photos of cuttings I have seen.

I remain patient.

That's a good sign, and yes -- be patient. One thing you should do is take a q-tip and gently push on the skin to see If the flesh looks firm or mushy. Don't give up unless it turns mushy.

[Deanavn]

Update: Down on the green skin - firm. Up near the cut - a little soft. On the actual cut - generally firm.

All I can do is wait and watch.

Should I add more sulfur powder to the top? It looks completely covered but I worry.

[Steve Johnson]

Sulfur powder adheres to the exposed surface while it dries out, so you already have a sufficient amount on the cut. The first thing I'd be concerned about is the appearance of mold, but since you're not seeing it already, I don't think you will. Everything looks good so far.

[Deanavn]

Update: Things continue to look good in my opinion. Everything is 'firm.' No mold. No mushiness. The black has not moved. Here is hoping.