"Badly" sunburned cactus - questions from a new cultivator

[cruetmixer]

I am not known for my green thumb, it has been said that I could kill a plastic fern but that remains to be proven.

Thinking cactus are pretty hardy and tough and may possibly survive my best intentions that have killed all other plant-life... I decide to get a few and see what happens.

All of them are San Pedro of various sizes and lengths. One of them that I received I didn't plant because I just wasn't sure what to do with it, it just looks pitiful.

So should I plant it and see what happens or is this better utilized as turtle food?

 

[nemesauce]

I've found that each species of plants have their own specific set of cultivation rules, but one rule remains consistent throughout them all, it takes more energy to fix damage that will take away from over all growth... Because I have little cacti experience, I would say to cut off the worse part and root the rest... I would also suggest going off the advice of someone with more exp.

Good luck cruet!

 

[wearepeople]

Hi cruetmixer,

Indeed, that is pretty badly sunburned.

Is it soft and squishy when you grab it? If so, it's definitely not worth planting.

I'm not quite sure how to advise you on this one. I suppose if it were me, I wouldn't bother planting it especially if you have others.

You could try potting it and see what happens. The worst that could happen is that it doesn't set root and eventually perishes.

 

[cruetmixer]

It does have a different feel to it, somewhat softer than my other cuttings.

I might just take it to the woods and leave it there, if it grows wonderful, if not then at least maybe what is left of the old man's spirit can decay in peace.

One thing I was curious about is if you can split a cactus lengthwise, as in splitting the core into two halves and laying the exposed surfaces face down in the sandy soil.