How do you properly cut and replant a cactus?

Like I always do, here is a follow-along answer that tells you how to properly cut and replant a cactus.

Cacti in pot | LeafyLoom

Replanting a cactus requires careful handling to avoid injury and ensure successful transplantation. Let me give you a step-by-step guide on how to cut and replant a cactus:

Materials Needed (I have curated the best items to save your time):

  1. Thick gloves
  2. Newspaper or cardboard
  3. Pruning shears or a sharp knife
  4. Pot with well-draining soil mix
  5. Small shovel or trowel

Procedure:

  1. Gather Materials: Put on thick gloves to protect your hands from the cactus spines. Lay down newspaper or cardboard to make the cleanup easier.
  2. Choose a Healthy Cactus: Select a healthy cactus for transplantation. Make sure it's not diseased or damaged.
  3. Select the Cutting Point: Identify the section of the cactus you want to cut. This is typically done at a joint or segment, and it's best to cut above a set of healthy roots. Use pruning shears or a sharp knife to make a clean cut.
  4. Let the Cutting Dry: Allow the cut surface to dry and callous over. This usually takes a few days to a week. This step is crucial to prevent rot when the cactus is replanted.
  5. Prepare the New Pot: Fill a new pot with a well-draining cactus or succulent mix. You can add a layer of small stones or perlite at the bottom of the pot to enhance drainage.
  6. Dig a Hole: Use a small shovel or trowel to dig a hole in the center of the new pot. The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the roots of the cactus.
  7. Plant the Cactus: Once the cut surface has calloused, place the cactus cutting into the prepared hole. Make sure it's stable and add more soil around the base to secure it. You can use rooting hormone on the cut surface if desired.
  8. Watering: Water the newly planted cactus lightly. Be cautious not to overwater, as cacti prefer well-draining soil and can rot if the soil is too wet. You can check out this blog to know more about watering indoor plants correctly: How often and how much should I water my indoor house plants?
  9. Placement: Place the potted cactus in a location with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight initially to prevent stress on the newly transplanted cactus.
  10. Monitor and Care: Keep an eye on the cactus for the first few weeks. Water sparingly and gradually introduce it to more sunlight. Once the cactus shows signs of new growth, you can treat it as you would a mature cactus.

So, did you follow along? Let me know if this helped.

Thanks!

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