[Arid_gardener] RE: Arid_gardener Digest, Vol 34, Issue 16

[Christine M. Bahto]

ORIGINAL QUESTION:
Date: Fri, 17 Nov 2006 18:32:48 -0700
From: "Paul Jones" <PPruitt at rraz.net>
Subject: [Arid_gardener] saguaro

Can a saguaro cactus be re-rooted. We have a good size one as you come into
our neighborhood about 8 or 9 feet tall  that someone hit and knocked down
it did break off. I know most cacti do better if you let them sit for a few
days before planting are saguaro the same.
                               Thanks   Pat

ANSWER:
Pat,

It's possible, but not probable. Saguaro cuttings will usually rot before
they root, or root and then rot!

You would want to root the growing tip, since saguaros can weigh between 80
to 100 pounds per sq. foot, you have to cut off only what can realistically
be carted off. This cut leaves an enormous wound that would be suseptable to
bacterial infection (which is why it will most likely rot before growing
roots), it also leaves it open for insects to enter (another way for
bacteria to get in). It would have to sit unplanted for a good 2-3 weeks in
order for the wound to heal. It would also need to be oriented in the same
south/west direction that it faced when standing, not doing this will lead
to sunburn which is another way for bacteria to enter. For the same reason,
you would also need to cover it with shade cloth until it puts on roots, as
unrooted cacti are very suseptable to sunburn. As for watering, it is
dormant during the winter and needs to stay dry, watering should only be
started in the spring when it comes out of dormancy and goes into it growing
cycle.

You should be commended for wanting to save the saguaro, but are you
prepared for the amount of "babying" you will need to do in order for it to
root, only to have it possibly rot in the end?

Let me know if you have anymore question,
Christine Bahto
Master Gardener, Maricopa County, U of A Cooperative Extension